BC Parent Winter Education Issue 2018

Page 1

Celebrating

2018 education issue bcparent.ca

Years of Service to BC Families

Help Your Child Become a Reader

Independent School Guide

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Celebrating

Letter from the Editor

Years of Service to BC Families

A Carlie Parkinson

s I sit here typing this letter, I’m enjoying a beautiful sunny, fall day. The leaves have turned to vibrant shades of red and orange, but I know these days are coming to an end. Soon the ground will be covered with a light dusting of snow or we will be drenched by heavy rain, and winter will be upon us. With winter comes some great things too. The holidays are just around the corner and children are getting into their groove at school. What will the new year bring? In this issue, we have put together some resources to help get 2019 off to a great start—Winter Activities Guide, Independent School Guide etc. We’ve also covered how to help your child become a reader, and given tips on how to get boys to open up. Enjoy the read and Happy Holidays!

Inside 4 Help Your Child Become a Reader

13 Independent School Guide

26 Healthy Habits Make Happy Families

20 Talking to Boys 6 The Whole Child

28 Christmas Gift Guide 22 Finding the Right Tutor

9 Preschool Guide

30 Holiday Events Guide 23 Winter Activity Guide

11 Embrace Your Role as Entertainer

BC Parent Newsmagazine

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Education 2018 Volume 27, Number 4

Mailing Address: P.O.Box 30020, North Vancouver, BC V7H 2Y8 email: info@bcparent.ca www.bcparent.ca Canadian Publications Mail Registration No.251836

Publisher/Executive Editor: Carlie Parkinson Editor: Geoffrey Legh Advertising Design & Layout: Julie Cochrane Editorial Design & Layout: www.retrometrodesign.ca Advertising Sales: info@bcparent.ca

Contributors: Elspeth Rae and Rowena Rae, Nic Enright-Morin, Care Elise, Adam J. Cox, Jan Pierce, Joanne Randle. BC Parent is published 4 times per year. The Publisher reserves the right to omit advertising which is judged to be in poor taste or which does not conform to the concept of this publication.

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Help Your Child Become a Reader How to keep a child’s confidence when learning to read, and how to help them get their confidence back if they lose it. By Elspeth Rae and Rowena Rae

D

o you remember when you couldn’t read and had to figure things out from pictures? And then you started noticing chicken scratch on the pages of books, and slowly the scratchings turned into letters and then words. Learning to read is a rite of passage. Achieving this skill lets a child decipher a code that only adults seem to know, and it opens new worlds of fantasy, adventure, other cultures, and new ideas. Many people don’t remember actively learning to read—it just happened—but some do. Learning to read doesn’t come easily to every child, and for some it can be especially tough. Having a bad experience with trying to learn to read can demoralize a child and make it even tougher. Parents and caregivers play a critical role in helping their children access the world of

reading, and their involvement is especially important for a child who’s ďŹ nding the going tough. Here are some dos and don’ts to guide you as you help your child prepare for reading and stay the course, once on the path to reading with conďŹ dence. If your child is younger than age 5, help lay the foundation for the reading journey:

1. Don’t start too early. If your child isn’t showing any interest in letters and words, don’t push it. Starting before a child is cognitively able will likely lead to frustration. 2. Don’t be intimidated by parents who proudly tell you their three year old knows the alphabet! As above, wait until a child shows interest. 3. Do instill a love of books as early as

possible. Reading isn’t just about knowing letters and sounding out words. It’s about knowing how books work. Start at page one, read from the top left to the bottom of each page, and then turn to the next page. This all seems obvious, but children who haven’t had stories read to them don’t have these skills. 4. Do sing the alphabet song, and help your child learn that each letter is separate. Many kids start school thinking that “el-em-en-oh-pee� is one letter! Also talk about the sounds of the letters, not just their names. If your child is starting to read, help the journey go smoothly:

1. Don’t criticize what your child wants to read. Graphic novels, world record

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books, comics—they are all reading. 2. Do select material at your child’s reading level. They should be able to read at least 90% of the words on each page. If they can’t, then the book is probably too difficult. 3. Do choose a relaxed time of day to have your child practice reading aloud to you. Bedtime, first thing in the morning, or just after school gets out—anytime is fine, as long as it isn’t a time of high stress or distraction in your family. Put your phone away and concentrate 100% on your child’s reading. 4. Do continue to read harder material to your child to model fluent reading and expose them to vocabulary and ideas more advanced than they can read themselves. If your child has lost confidence or is really struggling, help to reset the experience:

1. Don’t get frustrated if your child can’t recognize a word, even if they managed to read it on the previous page. For some children, it’s like encountering a whole new word each time. Figuring out what a word says is called “decoding.� 2. Don’t worry if your child can’t decode every word on the page. It’s fine to prompt them or tell them a word. Doing so helps the flow of reading and keeps it from becoming too laborious or demoralizing. 3. Don’t be surprised if your child gets stuck on small words. Sometimes the short and seemingly simple words present more of a challenge for struggling readers than some of the multisyllabic words. 4. Don’t put your child on the spot and make them read in front of other kids or adults. This will only increase anxiety and possibility shame them. 5. Don’t compare your child to siblings or classmates. Emphasize that everyone has their strengths and their struggles. They’re just different for each person. 6. Do be patient! Children start by having to decode or figure out every single word. It takes children hundreds, sometimes thousands, of exposures to letters and common letter sequences to start to recognize them automatically. 7. Do encourage your child to re-read the same things again and again to build confidence and fluency.

8. Do find materials that your child can be successful with. If your child is very resistant to reading, try choosing a book that’s lower than their reading level so they find success and practise their reading fluency. Gradually introduce more difficult material. 9. Do everything you can to make reading time a safe and reassuring experience. Find a peaceful, private space. Bring a treat to share. 10. Do help your child when they get stuck on a word. Try to figure it out yourself: Is it one that can be sounded out? Does it contain sounds your child knows? If it does, gently prompt them and help them blend the sounds together. If it contains sounds they don’t yet know or is a tricky word that can’t be sounded out (like “enoughâ€? or “friendâ€?), just tell them the word and move on. 11. Do share the load. You can take the pressure off your child by sharing the reading with them. This can happen at any level: read one sentence each, or one page each, or one chapter each. Some books are designed specifically for shared reading with different levels of text— one for the child and one for the adult. 12. Do look for external help, if things really aren’t going well. Your child doesn’t need to be diagnosed with a specific language learning difficulty to benefit from some extra help. Sometimes it’s also better for children to work with a teacher or tutor who isn’t their parent. As well as being supportive and positive for your child, one of the best things you can do is to model reading. Make sure your child sees you reading for pleasure, and have books of all reading levels in your home. When you let reading be an enjoyable part of everyday life in your family, you help your child develop positive associations with reading. Support your local bookstore and max out your library card, and then ďŹ nd a comfy spot to sit with your learning reader and dive into reading together. %LSPETH 2AE is a teacher with a specialty in learning difficulties. She lives and works in Vancouver, BC. 2OWENA 2AE is a children’s writer in Victoria, BC. Together, they are the authors of a book for shared reading between an experienced reader and a 6 to 9-year-old struggling reader. Meg and Greg: A Duck in a Sock is Book 1 in a series and is available from online bookstores as well as bookstores in Vancouver and Victoria. You can find out more at www.tworeadbooks.com.

Selecting books for a child with dyslexia who is just beginning to read INCE KIDS WITH DYSLEXIA ARE OFTEN LEARNING TO READ AT AN OLDER THAN TYPICAL AGE YOUR CHALLENGE AS A PARENT OR TEACHER IS TO lND BOOKS WITH INTERESTING CONTENT WRITTEN AT AN INTRODUCTORY SPELLING LEVEL 4HESE BOOKS ARE CALLED () ,/ OR ()'( ,/7 4HEY ARE HIGH INTEREST AGE APPROPRIATE STORIES AT A LOWER READING LEVEL THAN TYPICAL FOR THAT AGE 3EVERAL CHILDREN S PUBLISHERS HAVE COLLECTIONS OF () ,/ BOOKS SOME WRITTEN FROM THE OUTSET AS () ,/ AND OTHERS ADAPTED INTO () ,/ FROM MAINSTREAM BOOKS

S

9OU CAN ALSO LOOK FOR BOOKS WITH THESE FEATURES s ,IGHTLY COLOURED OR SHADED PAPER 4HIS REDUCES THE CONTRAST BETWEEN STARK WHITE PAPER AND BLACK PRINT !LTHOUGH NOT SHOWN SCIENTIlCALLY TO BENElT DYSLEXIC READERS MANY STUDENTS SAY IT HELPS THEM !NOTHER OPTION IS TO USE COLOURED PLASTIC OVERLAYS s ! FONT THAT MIMICS THE PRINTED LETTERS LEARNED AT SCHOOL 4HE SANS SERIF FONTS ARE BEST E G !RIAL #ALIBRI BUT UN FORTUNATELY MOST STILL USE THE DOUBLE DECKER @A AND OR @G "E READY TO HELP YOUR CHILD IF THESE LETTER SHAPES THROW THEM OFF s 7ELL SPACED OUT FONT AND LINES OF TEXT 3TUDIES SHOW THAT ONE OF THE MOST HELPFUL THINGS FOR DYSLEXIC READ ERS IS ADEQUATE SPACING BETWEEN LETTERS AND EXTRA SPACE BETWEEN LINES ON THE PAGE )F A PAGE LOOKS VERY TEXT HEAVY BUT YOU STILL WANT TO ATTEMPT IT WITH YOUR CHILD TRY COVER ING A PORTION OF THE PAGE SO IT LOOKS LESS OVERWHELMING !S WELL AS LOOKING FOR BOOKS WITH THESE CONTENT AND PHYSICAL FEATURES TRY TO lND BOOKS THAT WILL WORK WELL FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD TO SHARE THE READING )F YOU READ EVERY OTHER PAGE OR EVEN EVERY OTHER SENTENCE IT TAKES THE PRESSURE OFF AND MAKES READING TIME A LITTLE LESS DAUNTING FOR A CHILD WITH DYSLEXIA ! FEW BOOKS ARE SET UP SPECIlCALLY FOR R SHARED READING 4HE Meg g and Greg BOOKS ARE IN THIS CATEGORY AND THEY ALSO USE ALL THE FEATURES LISTED ABOVE

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BC Parent and Pear Tree Elementary present...

The Whole Child

A

s parents, we all want our children to get the best education possible, and we are lucky that here in BC, we have some of the greatest schools in the world. But since the roll-out of the revised BC curriculum in 2016, education across the province has undergone a radical overhaul. The changes began in 2016 for grades K–9, and further updates have been launched this fall for grades 10–12. With so much change

taking place for hundreds of thousands of young people, there is a lot of talk about this new educational approach and what it means for our kids. One school that is more than prepared for BC’s new curriculum is Pear Tree Elementary. Located in Kitsilano, Vancouver, Pear Tree is an innovative private school for children in kindergarten to grade 7. Their theme-based learning approach, which integrates project-based learning, problem-

based learning, and inquiry-based learning, means that Pear Tree Elementary is completely in tune with the provincial changes. Although Pear Tree Elementary is a relatively new school (they opened as a school in 2016), it is already getting wonderful feedback from both students and parents alike. Paul Romani, the school’s co-founder and co-director, believes that Pear Tree Elementary’s progressive theme-based learning and

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whole child approach are among the secrets to the school’s educational success. But what exactly do these two approaches entail? As parents, we hear so many buzzwords that it can be hard to know what they truly mean. According to Romani, what teaching the whole child means is actually very simple! “What many schools get wrong is that academics are only part of the puzzle. You have to educate kids’ socio-emotional sides: their feelings, their relationships with others, and their relationship with themselves. It’s important to develop a positive selfimage.â€? Romani says the ďŹ nal part of the ‘whole child’ puzzle is a child’s physical well-being. “If you neglect a kid’s physical education and nutrition, it completely undermines all the other work that you are doing with that child. It’s no good trying to nurture a child with great academics and a stable emotional level if the child isn’t eating properly, because then they’re constantly either hyper or lethargic, because their body isn’t getting what it needs. Kids need an outlet to burn off their energy and a chance to get a proper physical education.â€? At Pear Tree, all three components of the whole child are built-in to the schools’ daily routine—a mandatory healthy hotlunch program and daily physical activity are something in which all students participate. Accompanying this is Pear Tree’s use of short-term and long-term goal setting for each child. This ensures that every stakeholder (school, parent, child) is constantly working towards meaningful and tangible goals—sort of like an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) for every student. Romani says that children’s development is hindered when schools and families focus solely on just one aspect of their well-being. “Teaching the whole child is basically about recognizing that all of those things are interrelated. You need to treat all the components with equal importance. For example, take the sports-focused families that want their kids to be great athletes; their academics suffer, and perhaps even their personalities suffer, as a result of such extreme competitiveness. Conversely, you’ve also got families that focus only on their kid’s academic success. Look what that does to their physical and social well-being.â€? Romani says that if you think your child is falling short in some developmental areas, or if their schooling isn’t up to par, then as a

family, you can compensate for those shortcomings by taking extra-curricular activities in those areas. “Every family has different values; it’s all about balance at the end of the day.â€? Romani says that when kids don’t have equilibrium between the three elements, it makes it hard for kids to grow up into balanced individuals who are able to take on any situation that life throws at them. He recognizes it may be difďŹ cult to ensure kids lead balanced lives, but it’s well worth the If you neglect a kid’s physical education and nutrition, it completely undermines all the other work that you are doing with that child.

effort. “I know it can be quite overwhelming, but at the end of the day, if you want your child to be well-rounded, happy and successful then you need to educate the whole child, and you can’t neglect any of the three components.â€? The other innovative approach that sets Pear Tree Elementary apart from other schools is their learning style. At Pear Tree, rather than subject-based learning, students undertake a theme-based learning approach, incorporating project, problem, and inquiry-based learning. While Pear Tree is perhaps the only school in BC that uses this method, the new BC curriculum and its inquiry-based learning model is more in-tune with Pear Tree’s philosophy. What is more, Finland, a country generally considered to be a pioneer in education, recently introduced a theme-based learning approach across their entire country. A theme-based learning approach is exactly as it sounds; rather than tackle each subject in isolation (like math, science, or art), you take a theme—such as ‘Our Living Oceans’, or ‘Biomimicry’—and learn about a broad range of subjects under that umbrella, including the performing arts, ďŹ ne arts, and technology. Particular subjects lend themselves to certain themes, so it requires a variety of themes to truly include all subjects at all times. According to Romani, “A theme-based learning approach is about understanding that everything we learn in life, including the things that we learn at school, are learned for a reason; you are studying things

because they are going to be useful to you in your life. Too many schools and educators fail to realise that the skills in the BC curriculum are there for a reason. Our regular ďŹ eld trips and guest speakers demonstrate precisely this, as students get to see working adults using the same skills in their jobs that they are learning at Pear Tree.â€? During a typical term at Pear Tree Elementary, students have two to three themes on the go at any one time. Kids study one theme in the morning class; and, after the morning break, they may study the same theme, or move onto a different one. Students study those two to three themes for an entire semester. Within each theme, the kids cover numerous subjects. While some have more of a science or social studies focus, all of them are multi-disciplinary. Romani says that when kids study two to three different themes at a time, they really balance out. “Students are completely immersed in those themes for three months or more, and within that time they will study all the different subjects, all connected to the BC curriculum. We follow the BC curriculum, but we put our own spin on it, and go far beyond it. Our students really get the opportunity to study topics in tremendous breadth and depth, which means they acquire and retain far more facts and skills than traditional learning approaches.â€? For further details, or to ďŹ nd out when Pear Tree Elementary’s next school open house is, visit peartree.school for more information.

Pear Tree Elementary 215—2678 W. Broadway, Vancouver www.peartree.school 0EAR 4REE %LEMENTARY IS A PROGRESSIVE +n SCHOOL LOCATED IN +ITSILANO #HIL DREN LEARN BY DOING 4HAT S WHY 0EAR 4REE STUDENTS LEARN THROUGH THEME AND PROJECT BASED LEARNING TWO OF THE MOST ADVANCED METHODS OF EDU CATION 4HESE APPROACHES PUT LEARN ING INTO CONTEXT MAKING EDUCATION ENJOYABLE MEMORABLE AND MEANING FUL 4AKING A WHOLE CHILD APPROACH MEANS 0EAR 4REE %LEMENTARY NURTURES ACADEMIC SOCIO EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT )NTEGRAL TO THIS ARE 0EAR 4REE S TEACHERS WHO ALL HAVE -ASTERS OF %DUCATION DEGREES AND ITS HEALTHY HOT LUNCH AND DAILY PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS

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Mums, Tums, Babies & Toddlers Show

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Vancouver, 604/434-9611 westsidemontessoriacademy.ca WMA’s mission is to provide a safe, supportive educational environment that nurtures every child’s natural curiosity for learning. We are committed to providing the tools, the guides, and the prepared environment to allow each child to reach their potential both socially and academically. Cousteau, l’Ecole française internationale de Vancouver

North Vancouver, 604/924-2457 Cousteauschool.org Cousteau School guarantees a successful learning path for children by offering a top-rated bilingual education (France and BC programs) starting at age three. Our students nurture a sense of curiosity and become lifelong learners while asserting themselves. Our multicultural diversity helps students develop an international mindset and a willingness to protect our planet and to respect differences.

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Vancouver 604/224-2633, 604/731-8810 familymontessori.com Since 1980, FMSS is proud to have provided the highest quality of Montessori programming for preschool and kindergarten aged children. Following AMI Montessori principles and standards, our Guides provide enriching, engaging and inspiring learning environments nurturing an “education for life.�

North Vancouver, 604/980-1205 northstarmontessori.ca North Star offers an authentic Montessori program from InfancyGrade 6. Committed to meeting the developmental needs of each child, we foster a love of learning, independence and respect. Practical experiences build confidence and inspire an intrinsic motivation to ‘learn’ and ‘do’ that students carry with them throughout their lives.

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Rothewood Academy

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Vancouver, 604/261-1221 Vancouverbilingual.com Through conversation, stories, songs and play activities, the children are exposed to the French language at a level suitable to their age and ability. Pre-reading, writing and math skills enhance the child’s facility with language and numbers. Our arts and crafts and recreational programs develop fine and gross motor skills. West Point Grey Preschool

Vancouver, 604/257-8140 westpointgrey.org/programs/ licensedpreschool West Point Grey Licensed Preschool at Aberthau offers care for children 30 months to 5 years old in a learning through play environment. Uniquely located in a mansion with large outdoor space this Preschool is a hidden gem on the West Side of Vancouver.

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West Point Grey Licensed Preschool at Aberthau (30 Months—5 Years)

Busy life? Open House for 2019-2020 School Year Thursday February 28 4:30pm-6:30pm www.westpointgrey.org @westpointgreycc 604.257.8140 4397 West 2nd Ave. Vancouver

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Education for life. Providing the highest quality Montessori education to families since 1980. Visit us in Point Grey or False Creek to learn how your preschoolkindergarten aged child can begin their “education for life.� JERICHO HILL 4196 W 4th Ave. Vancouver, BC

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HEAD . HAND S. HEART.

At Rothewood Academy we are dedicated to teaching the whole child— head, hands and

Thariq, 3 years old

heart. Our holistic approach to early learning is what makes Rothewood unique.

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Embrace Your Role as Entertainer By Care Elise

his summer, my partner Jordan and I taught a magic camp that will always stand out in my memory. By sheer force of coincidence, every child but one had intellectual, learning, or physical disabilities. Between them, these kids had diagnoses for severe behavioural, attention, and motor challenges. Even in a small camp, it was challenging to give every child a taste of success. For us, success was predefined. Each child had to perform independently on stage at the end of the week. Astoundingly, every single child walked out on that stage in front of a crowd of family and friends and performed their magic tricks to successful completion (and enthusiastic applause). As the parents thanked us, the strong connection between magic and education finally clicked. These were kids who struggled in the school system with one-on-one support, which we couldn’t provide. Why were they able to follow along with our long-winded explanations of how an effect worked, motivate themselves to practice, and actually fool their family and friends? It was because we captured that elusive resource, their attention. Jordan always asks, “You want to see

T

something cool?â€? And they always do. Maybe the kids don’t see us as teachers, but they learn anyway. Maybe they view us as entertainers who reward them with “cool tricksâ€? if they follow along with the theory, practice and attempt what we teach. Does it matter? We consistently hear from parents that our students are excited to show off what they’ve learned. Any course can get that “magicâ€? reaction. I ďŹ rmly believe what Teller (of Penn and Teller fame) so eloquently proclaims—education is a performance art. Magic in educational contexts is incredibly powerful. In North America, children’s magic developed from an educational tradition. Our ďŹ rst known reference of children’s magic is from 1910, in the form of a book that taught ministers to illustrate moral lessons with magic tricks. Churches understood the excitement and engagement that magic could invoke in linking lessons to memory. Today, schools bring in magicians (like us) to theme performances around topics like bullying, environmental protection, diversity and inclusion, and more. The themes may have changed, but magic was then and still is a compelling teaching tool. It inspires wonder and amazement, and those are not soon forgotten.

(ERE IS A hMATHEMAGICv TRICK THAT YOU CAN ADJUST FOR DIFlCULTY BY TELLING THEM TO SELECT A NUMBER FROM n OR EVEN 4HEY WILL NEED TO KEEP A RUNNING TOTAL IN THEIR HEAD OR WRITE IT DOWN Step 1: #HOOSE A NUMBER WRITE IT DOWN BUT DON T SHOW ME Step 2: 4AKE YOUR NUMBER AND SUBTRACT 3TEP 9OU HAVE A NEW NUMBER -ULTIPLY THE TOTAL BY Step 4: .OW ADD TO YOUR NEW TOTAL Step 5: .OW DIVIDE THAT BY Step 6: .OW ADD Step 7: &INALLY SUBTRACT THE ORIGINAL NUMBER $ON T REMEMBER IT #HECK THE PAPER IN YOUR POCKET Step 8: $RAMATICALLY REVEAL YOUR PREDICTION FOR THE TOTAL )T WILL BE -ORE hMATH TRICKSv CAN BE FOUND ONLINE SOME EASIER AND OTHERS MORE CHALLENGING

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Kids can achieve things that we adults believe are far beyond their reach when they are engaged and interested in the material. And if the material is boring (yes, that happens even in magic—let’s face it, they want to know how a trick works, not how to deal cards properly) then the teachers themselves must become the entertainment. Before I was a magician, I taught writing to everyone from elementary school students to doctoral candidates and business professionals. My pattern was simple and always the same, ďŹ rst engage, then introduce the concepts, and entertain throughout to anchor the theory in long-term memory and get them excited to see me again. Consider this, which teacher do you remember the most and why? Was it a teacher you hated—or one you loved? Either way, it’s probably rooted to a strong emotional memory. Are details copied off an overhead a bit hazy? Emotional memories are hard to conjure up without a teacher who captured your attention. One of my favourite teachers in high school had moonlighted as a stand-up comedian before settling into teaching. Mr. F. fully embraced his role as

classroom entertainer. He drew comics and wrote lyrics to help us memorize the vocabulary. It worked. We would walk up and down the hall singing. His classes were not easy. He had high expectations, but he was still a favourite. There are many ways to entertain and engage attention in educational contexts. Magic is highly interactive and invites inquiry—there is a natural curiosity to examine objects closely, ask questions, and try to ďŹ gure out how it works! (As magicians, it is our job to be skilled and clever enough to never reveal the secrets and keep the mystery alive). My question is this—if you start thinking about your class as an audience, what would you change? The argument is consistently made that we are competing for kids’ attention. It can be a great boon for a teacher to have a few simple tricks up their sleeve (especially ones that can be tied to a speciďŹ c lesson)! If you seem like a wizard, you’ll capture more attention as the children won’t want to miss something “something coolâ€?. Many students struggle with math—if you want kids to improve their ability to cal-

culate, fool them with a trick that requires mental calculations! They will be begging you to teach them how you did it. And they will be practicing math for fun. But what makes these tricks, and not puzzles, is the theatricality that YOU bring to the audience. Here are some suggestions. For any number trick where the end result is predetermined, write a prediction at the start of class, put it in an envelope with a big question mark and hang it on the board. You’ll have their curiosity. Make them wait. Introduce your “prediction�, (or “guess� for younger children), read a child’s mind, and reveal your prediction! Then, teach them the trick and have them practice their calculations themselves using different numbers and let your classroom try to read each other’s minds. TIP: It’s a good idea to get your helper to write their number down and show it to the whole class when you start so that they don’t forget it, and everyone else can follow along and try it with them! #ARE %LISE is an award-winning magician and educator in the Vancouver area. She can be reached for questions at jordanandcare@gmail.com

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School Name

Gender

Grades

Class Size

Enrollment

Alexander Academy 688 West Hastings Unit 200, Vancouver, BC V6B 1P1 604/687-8832; alexanderacademy.ca

Co-ed

8–12

16-20

141

Avante School #202 2830 Grandview Highway,Vancouver, BC V5M 2C9 604/559-5757; avanteschool.ca

Co-ed

3–12

British Columbia Christian Academy 1019 Fernwood Avenue, Port Coquitlam, BC V3B 5A8 604/941-8426; bcchristianacademy.ca

Co-ed

K–12

20–26

320

Bodwell High School and Bodwell Academy 955 Harbourside Drive, North Vancouver, BC V7P 3S4 604/924-5056; bodwell.edu/highschool

Co-ed

8–12

17

Day: 200 Boarding: 160 Total: 360

Brockton School 3467 Duval Rd., North Vancouver, BC V7J 3E8 604/929-9201; brocktonschool.com

Co-ed

JK–12

20

210

Century High School 300-1788 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6J 1Y1 604/730-8138; centuryhighschool.ca

Co-ed

8–12

15

140

Children’s Hearing & Speech Centre of BC 3575 Kaslo St., Vancouver, BC V5M 3H4 604/437-0255; childrenshearing.ca

Co-ed

PS–2

6–8

28

Choice School 20451 Westminster Hwy, Richmond, BC V5M 3H4 604/273-2418; choiceschool.org

Co-ed

K–7

16

50

Collingwood School 70 Morven Drive, West Vancouver, BC V7S 1B2 604/925-3331; collingwood.org

Co-ed

JK–12

15–20

1265

Cousteau, l’Ecole Française Internationale de Vancouver 3637 Fromme Rd., North Vancouver, BC 604/924-2457; cousteauschool.org Cousteau School offers a rigorous bilingual education (France and BC programs). Our cultural and linguistic diversity is our strength. Students develop an international mindset and a willingness to protect our planet and to respect differences. Students nurture a sense of curiosity and become lifelong learners while asserting themselves.

Co-ed

PS-7

16-18

238

BCPARENT CA s EDUCATION ISSUE 13

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Independent School Guide School Name

Gender

Grades

Class Size

Enrollment

Girls

JK–12

18–20

870

Eaton Arrowsmith Vancouver: 204-6190 Agronomy Road at UBC, Vancouver, BC; 604/264-8327 White Rock: 300–1538 Foster Street, 3rd Flr, White Rock, BC; 604/538-1710 eatonarrowsmith.com

Co-ed

8-12

25

100

Fraser Academy 2294 W. 10th Avenue, Vancouver BC 604/736-5575; fraseracademy.ca

Co-ed

1–12

10 max.

220

Fraser Valley Elementary School 20317 67 Ave., Langley, BC 604/533-5469; fves.bc.ca

Co-ed

K–1

18

48

,VODQG 3DFLÀF 6FKRRO 671 Carter Road, Bowen Island, BC LVODQGSDFLÀF RUJ

Co-ed

6–9

James Cameron School 20245 Dewdney Trunk Rd, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 3C9 604/465-8444 or 604/465-4561; jcs.bc.ca

Co-ed

2-7

Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School 420 Seymour River Place, North Vancouver, BC 604/985-5224; kgms.ca

Co-ed

1–11

Little Flower Academy 4195 Alexandra Street, Vancouver, BC V6J 4C6 604/738-9016; lfabc.org

Girls

8-12

Madrona School Society 2040 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver BC V6J 2B3 604/499-7303; madronaschool.com

Co-ed

K–9

4–14

54

Magnussen Vancouver Suite 204, 6190 Agronomy Road at UBC, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 604/264-8327; eatonarrowsmith.com

Co-ed

K-7

varies

40

Meadow Montessori Elementary & Preschool 11391 Dartford Street, Maple Ridge, BC 604/465-3492; meadowmontessori.ca

Co-ed

PS–7

10–15

60

Meadowridge School 12224 - 240th Street, Maple Ridge, BC 604/467-4444; meadowridge.bc.ca

Co-ed

JK–12

20

528

Mulgrave School 2330 Cypress Bowl Lane, West Vancouver, BC 604/922-3223; mulgrave.com

Co-ed

PS–12

20

840

North Star Montessori 1325 East Keith Road, North Vancouver, BC 604/980-1205; northstarmontessori.ca North Star offers an authentic Montessori program from Infancy-Grade 6. Committed to meeting the developmental needs of each child, we foster a love of learning, independence and respect. Practical experiences build FRQÀGHQFH DQG LQVSLUH DQ LQWULQVLF PRWLYDWLRQ WR ҊOHDUQҋ DQG ҊGRҋ WKDW VWXGHQWV carry with them throughout their lives.

Co-ed

PS–7

varies

80

3DFLÀF 5LP 0RQWHVVRUL $FDGHP\ Vancouver and Richmond, BC SDFLÀFULPPRQWHVVRUL FRP

Co-ed

PS–7

20

3DFLÀF 6SLULW 6FKRRO 4196 W. 4th Ave., Vancouver, BC SDFLÀFVSLULWVFKRRO RUJ

Co-ed

K–8

14

Crofton House 3200 West 41st Ave., Vancouver, BC V6N 3E1 604/263-3255; croftonhouse.ca

70

15–18

170

476

14 BCPARENT CA s EDUCATION ISSUE

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Excellent education in a school that cares

THE WESTSIDE SCHOOL FOUNDATION YEARS CENTRE (K-4) 788 Beatty Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 2M1

MIDDLE YEARS CENTRE (5-9) 101 Smithe Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 1C2

MINIVERSITY® (10-12) 211 Nelson Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 0P2

Learning today Leading tomorrow APPLY NOW! For September 2019 - Grades 8 to 11 For September 2020 - Kindergarten

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starts here Our Montessori curriculum inspires students to become independent learners, gaining the knowledge and confidence to be leaders who appreciate their world. For information call:

(604) 434 - 9611 Casa dei Bambini to Grade 7

3075 Slocan St. Vancouver at the Italian Cultural Centre

WestsideMontessoriAcademy.ca Elementary Open House

We invite you to join us at our Open House events!

November 22nd, 7pm - 9pm

Casa dei Bambini Open House January 26th, 10:30am - 1:30pm BCPARENT CA s EDUCATION ISSUE 15

BCP Education2018-Final.indd 15

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Independent School Guide School Name

Gender

Grades

Class Size

Enrollment

Pattison High School 981 Nelson Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 3B6 604/608-8788; pattisonhighschool.ca

Co-ed

8–12

Pear Tree Elementary 215-2678 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6K 2G3 604/355-2155, peartree.school Pear Tree Elementary is a progressive K-7 school located in .LWVLODQR &KLOGUHQ OHDUQ E\ GRLQJ 7KDWÒ‹V ZK\ 3HDU 7UHH students learn through theme and project-based learning, two of the most advanced methods of education. These approaches put learning into context, making education enjoyable, memorable, and meaningful. Taking a whole-child approach means Pear Tree Elementary nurtures academic, socio-emotional, and physical development. Integral to this are 3HDU 7UHHÒ‹V WHDFKHUV ZKR DOO KDYH 0DVWHUV RI (GXFDWLRQ GHJUHHV DQG LWV KHDOWK\ KRW OXQFK and daily physical education programs.

Co-ed

K-7

K-1 15 Gr 2-4 15 Gr 5-7 15

45

Pythagoras Academy 8671 Odlin Crescent, Richmond, BC V6X 1G1 604/370-0199; pythagorasacademy.ca

Co-ed

JK-7

16

276

5RRWV DQG :LQJV 0RQWHVVRUL 6FKRRO 20315 16 Avenue, Langley, BC V2Z 1W5 Sullivan Centre: #101-15295 #10 Hwy, Surrey, BC V3S 0X9 604/510-2588; rootsandwingsbc.com

Co-ed

PS–9

5HOHYDQW +LJK 6FKRRO 18620 Highway 10, Surrey, BC V3S 1G1 604/574-4736; relevantschoolssociety.ca

Co-ed

K–12

5LFKPRQG -HZLVK 'D\ 6FKRRO 8760 No. 5 Rd., Richmond, BC 604/275-3393; rjds.ca

Co-ed

K–7

5R\DO &DQDGLDQ &ROOHJH Vancouver, BC V6P 3M2 604/738-2221; royalcanadiancollege.com

Co-ed

8–12

St Alcuin College 1044 St. Georges Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7L 3H6 604/360-8656; stalcuincollege.com

Co-ed

K–12

20

St. George’s School 4175 West 29th Ave., Vancouver, BC 604/221-3890; stgeorges.bc.ca

Boys

1–12

20

Day: 1040 Boarding: 120 Total: 1160

St. John’s School 2215 W. 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6K 2J1 604/732-4434 or 604/629-2458; stjohns.bc.ca

Co-ed

JK–12

14–22

554

St. John’s International School 300 - 1885 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC 604/683-4572; stjohnsis.com

Co-ed

10–12 with ESL program

15

100

6HOI'HVLJQ /HDUQLQJ &RPPXQLW\ ² 'LVWULEXWHG /HDUQLQJ 6FKRRO PO Box 74560, Kitsilano RPO, Vancouver, BC 604/224-3663; selfdesign.org

Co-ed

K–12

n/a

1500–2500

Southpointe Academy 1900 - 56th Street, Tsawwassen, BC 604/948-8826; southpointe.ca

Co-ed

K–12

16–24

460

Southridge School 2656 160th Street, South Surrey, BC V3S 0B7 604/535-5056; southridge.bc.ca

Co-ed

K–12

Stratford Hall 3000 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC 604/436-0608; stratfordhall.ca

Co-ed

K–12

160

120

15-20

80

674

16–22

490

16 BCPARENT CA s EDUCATION ISSUE

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Independent School Guide School Name

Gender

Grades

Class Size

Enrollment

7KH :HVWVLGH 6FKRROV 604/687-8021, thewestsideschools.ca 7KH )RXQGDWLRQ <HDUV 3URJUDP .² (Enrollment: At capacity—accepting waitlist applicants) 788 Beatty St. Vancouver, BC V6B 2M1 The Foundation Years Program is a warm and engaging environment where students, families and teachers are known, valued and understood. Our mandate of individualized education in a group setting requires small class sizes, expert teachers, and extensive communication and collaboration. 7KH 0LGGOH <HDUV 3URJUDP ² (Enrollment: At capacity—accepting waitlist applicants) 101 Smithe St., Vancouver, BC V6B 1C2 The Middle Years Program is built on the foundation of inquiry and creative thinking. We place a high value on innovation, collaboration and communication and we aim for our students to develop a passion for learning, exploring and questioning. 7KH :HVWVLGH 0LQLYHUVLW\ ² (Enrollment: Spaces available) 211 Nelson St., Vancouver, BC V6B 0P2 Our Miniversity Program reimagines high school. Students study one subject at a time in VPDOO FRKRUWV ZLWK D IRFXV RQ LQGLYLGXDOL]HG HGXFDWLRQ LQ D FROODERUDWLYH DQG Ă H[LEOH VHWWLQJ Teachers as mentors and students affecting change in their own schooling experience

Co-ed

K-12

Gr K - 9 12 Gr 10-12

320

Traditional Learning Academy 1189 Rochester Avenue, Coquitlam, BC V3K 2X3; traditionallearning.com

Co-ed

K–12

Urban Academy 101 Third Street, New Westminster, BC 604/524-2211; urbanacademy.ca Urban Academy offers a truly engaging learning experience for students from JK to Grade 12. By bringing core academics to life through technology, the arts and outdoor education, students achieve high academic standards and thrive in their personal development.

Co-ed

JK–12

150 10–18

180

Providing an education as unique as your child. Register now for Fall 2019 Infant Programs to Grade 6

604 980 1205

northstarmontessori.ca BCPARENT CA s EDUCATION ISSUE 17

BCP Education2018-Final.indd 17

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Independent School Guide School Name

Gender

Grades

Class Size

Enrollment

Vancouver College 5400 Cartier Street, Vancouver, BC 604/261-4285; vc.bc.ca

Boys

K–12

20–32

1,065

Vancouver Formosa Academy 5621 Killarney Street, Vancouver, BC V5R 3W4 604/436-2332; vfa.bc.ca

Co-ed

7–12

Vancouver Hebrew Academy 1545 W. 62nd Ave, Vancouver, BC 604/266-1245; vhebrewacademy.com

Co-ed

PS–7

12

Vancouver Montessori School 8650 Barnard Street, Vancouver, BC 604/261-0315; vancouvermontessorischool.com

Co-ed

PS–7

20

225

Vancouver Talmud Torah 998 West 26th Ave., Vancouver, BC 604/736-7307; talmudtorah.com

Co-ed

PS–7

18–22

485

9DQFRXYHU :DOGRUI 6FKRRO 2725 St. Christophers Road, N. Vancouver, BC 604/985-7435; vws.ca

Co-ed

PS–12

20–30

300

:HVW 3RLQW *UH\ $FDGHP\ 4125 West 8th Avenue Vancouver, BC 604/222-8750; wpga.ca

Co-ed

JK–12

22

940

:HVWVLGH 0RQWHVVRUL $FDGHP\ :0$

3075 Slocan St., Vancouver, BC 604/434-9611; westsidemontessoriacademy.ca :0$Ò‹V PLVVLRQ LV WR SURYLGH D VDIH VXSSRUWLYH HGXFDWLRQDO HQYLURQPHQW WKDW QXUWXUHV HYHU\ FKLOGÒ‹V QDWXUDO FXULRVLW\ IRU OHDUQLQJ :H DUH FRPPLWWHG WR providing the tools, the guides, and the prepared environment to allow each child to reach their potential both socially and academically.

Co-ed

K–7

22 (max)

85

:HVWVLGH 0RQWHVVRUL 6FKRRO :06 4157 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 2N1 604/731-6594; westsidemontessori.ca

Co-ed

PS–K

20

80

Girls

JK–12

16–20

656

York House School 4176 Alexandra St., Vancouver, BC 3274 East Boulevard, Vancouver, BC 604/736-6551; yorkhouse.ca

18 BCPARENT CA s EDUCATION ISSUE

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BCPARENT CA s EDUCATION ISSUE 19

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Talking to Boys "Y !DAM * #OX

A

s many parents well know, conversation with school-age boys can be a big challenge. This is broad challenge with many facets, as discussed in my book Cracking the Boy Code: How to Understand and Talk with Boys. Here, I want to summarize some key strategies for getting a conversation going. Paying close attention to your tone and attitude is the first step— that’s where rapport comes from. Respect is the key. To respect someone, you must be willing to take in the breadth of their being—even during awkwardness or anger. I realize you may be thinking this sounds too formal or unnatural with respect to the conversations you’ve had with boys, such as your own son. But sustained awareness of yourself as a communicator allows respect to ow, and that builds closeness. Okay, so we’ve established the fundamental necessity of respect, but you still need some core strategies for initiating a good connection. Try not to interpret these strategies in a programmatic, stiff way. In other words, don’t imagine yourself with a checklist, needing to mark off each strategy.

Movement is one of your best allies in helping boys to relax and getting them to communicate more openly.

stressful topic, but boys don’t like conversations that meander. Declaration of intent is also an important element of honesty and humility—factors which propel closeness and a constructive outcome.

Avoid the kitchen table

Various places in your home may have certain emotional associations for kids, and I think it best to avoid places that have strong associations with being lectured, scolded, or worried. It is both a place that a child does his homework, and where he receives stern talks about mistakes, or possibly some type of warning. Don’t let the kitchen table trap you or your son. Hint: a much better, more productive place to have a conversation is driving together in the car. Make “your� point

Parents often worry that if they are too direct in talking to boys that it will backfire, causing boys to feel overwhelmed. In most cases, avoidance of the main point is a mistake. Conversation is likely to be both more comfortable and manageable when you are clear about what you want from a conversation. It is certainly helpful to do a little relationship building before jumping into a

Begin with his expertise

Sometimes the point of a conversation is not to explore a specific topic, but to spend time relating. When in doubt about what to say or where to begin always defer to topics that boys already know a lot about—areas where he can feel like an expert. Tempo and Relaxation

Complementing the value of emphasizing boys’ expertise is a helpful tempo. It might seem counterintuitive, but a quick tempo at the outset of conversation is often helpful in relaxing boys. A rapid tempo often seems to match the pace and rhythm of their own thought, like the way that boys’ thoughts tend to bounce from one topic to another. A tempo that matches the natural speed of thought, including the way that thoughts and ideas ricochet within the mind, feels natural to most boys. It’s an approach that comes across as friendly.

Do something together

Movement is one of your best allies in helping boys to relax and getting them to communicate more openly. Movement directs attention toward what is happening in the body, rather than isolating attention to what is happening in the mind. When people are intensely stressed they are almost always living from the neck up, forgetting their bodies, and forgetting how activity and exertion can relax the mind. Most boys are naturally energetic beings who feel more comfortable with themselves when their bodies are in motion. Take advantage of this natural inclination. For example, play a game of catch, take a walk, do a chore, attend to an animal, even playing a simple board game involves some degree of motor movement that can potentially reduce stress. Include an Animal

Animals serve as a safe and neutral source of support for boys. The warmth and texture of an animal’s coat is reassuring, providing tactile physical comfort from a source of unconditional affection. It’s difficult to overstate the benefits of an animal. Even when two people are at odds, they tend to

20 BCPARENT CA s EDUCATION ISSUE

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experience a common sense of empathy for an animal such as a dog, which then makes it easier for those two people to explore their empathy for each other.

time to rethink your options. It’s probably the wrong time to talk—the wrong time to start relating. Your agitation or anxiety will show on your face and in your body language. More likely than not, it will cause

Inquire before you assume

While it is helpful to spend time thinking about what you want to say before beginning a conversation, be careful not to get so far ahead in your thoughts that you assume you know what a child or adolescent is thinking or feeling. This is a basic element of respect and it keeps conversations feeling vital and in the present. As soon as you start building an argument around assumptions there is a sense that the conversation has been scripted, and this is when boys tend to tune out. Who wouldn’t? Doesn’t it feel a little bit like being cornered when you’re forced into a conversation that has been pre-scripted to make you look wrong and another person look right? Be relaxed, look relaxed

If you are feeling agitated to the extent that you have something you must get off your chest, and you want to talk about it now, it’s

When in doubt about what to say or where to begin always defer to topics that boys already know a lot about—areas where he can feel like an expert.

boys to tighten up, and be unconstructively guarded. Feeling vulnerable always causes one to be guarded, and that’s exactly the opposite of what you want to create in building a great relationship. On the other hand, if you’re relaxed, it doesn’t feel like anything bad is about to happen. There’s no sense of doom, no immediate sense of worry

Talk slightly above his age

The last point I want to make in this list is perhaps the least obvious. It involves conveying respect and being interesting. My suggestion is that you try to talk slightly above the age of the boy you are addressing. When we do, it makes our ideas or argument just a little more complex than what boys might be anticipating, and that’s more interesting. Countless parents unfortunately simplify an idea to the extent that it’s at least a little condescending—and boys are quick to show their embarrassment or irritation. That parental instinct comes from a place of concern, but the effort often backfires. It’s good for boys to wrangle with ideas that are slightly more sophisticated or multifaceted than what they are accustomed to. Accordingly, using a vocabulary that’s one to two years above a boy’s age, invites him to think about people and situations with greater appreciation for situational and psychological complexity. !DAM * #OX Ph.D is a psychologist and author of Cracking the Boy Code: How to Understand and Talk with Boys (New Society). More on boys and parenting can be found at DrAdamCox.com.

BCPARENT CA s EDUCATION ISSUE 21

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Finding the Right Tutor

"Y *AN 0IERCE

T

here are many reasons for a child to fall a bit behind in one school subject or another. Maybe your family moved and the new school does things differently, or maybe your child is operating on a different developmental clock than the curriculum. Whatever the reason, being behind other learners is never a happy situation for your child. You may be able to do extra work at home to catch up, but often a tutor is the best way to help a child make great strides in learning. Hiring a tutor is a serious venture. You don’t want to risk adding more stress to your child’s life and the additional expense can be a strain on your budget. You deďŹ nitely want the dollars spent to bring positive results. Here are some things to consider when ďŹ nding the best tutor for your child: Safety and Convenience

Your primary concern is for the well-being of your child. You’ll be entrusting your little learner into the hands of another adult. Be sure to get references, check them out and plan to have the lessons take place either in your own home where you can be nearby, or in a public place such as a school or library with supervision. Skills and Experience

The best tutors are retired or currently not employed teachers. They are certificated and have lots of experience with children needing additional support. Sometimes businesses that offer tutoring for children are able to provide encouraging lessons in basic subjects, but just as often, their teach-

ers are not certificated and have limited experience in teaching a subject with learning styles in mind. They may not be able to present a lesson in a number of different ways to help the child understand. Occasionally a family member may be able to step in and help your child in a certain subject. In that case, work with your classroom teacher to get proper materials for the lessons. It’s important that the tutoring sessions not confuse your learner by teaching lessons that conict in any way with the classroom expectations. Be sure that you work with classroom teachers and the tutor to set speciďŹ c goals for the time spent in tutoring sessions. One good way to build learning conďŹ dence is to “seeâ€? progress over time as certain goals are met. Patience, Empathy and Kindness

Children who have fallen behind in their classroom work are often very discouraged. They may feel they can’t learn and may have taken a hit to their self-esteem. So anything additional in their schedule can feel like punishment. Avoid that possibility by hiring someone who understands the problem, offers nothing but positive lessons presented in small bite-sized pieces so that failure is not an option. Good tutors will have games and activities that are both instructional and fun. They may use some sort of reward system that encourages a bit of risk-taking, but also makes your child feel hopeful and accomplished. A good tutor is on task but upbeat and friendly. He or she will be patient but expect the best so that sessions are worthwhile and have speciďŹ c milestones to achieve. Often charts and stickers, etc. work very well for a child who has not been able to earn them in class. Enthusiasm for the Subject, Positivity

Typically children who have experienced a degree of failure are sure that they’re “bad at math� or “bad at reading.� A good tutor can present material in which your child can shine. And enthusiasm for the fun of reading a good book or solving a math problem can literally change your child’s mind about that subject. An enthusiastic tutor who truly loves the subject matter may be able to overshadow all those unhappy experiences in the classroom and offer your child new hope. Reliability

Your family’s schedule is important and adding a tutoring session may be a stretch

for you. So if your tutor is not on time, or fails to measure up in any way, please feel free to find another one. It’s also a good idea to schedule tutoring sessions for a month or two at a time and then re-evaluate the need for the extra support. You may decide that the extra boost in learning was all your child needed to get back on track. Or you may decide that certain times of the year are just too busy to add another timeslot. Maybe waiting until spring or even summer would be the best choice for your family. It’s important that your child never feel that working with a tutor is an embarrassment or a punishment. It may be wise to explain that throughout history children have worked with tutors and that classroom instruction is a relatively new way to learn. Finding the best tutor for your child will take some research and some time. It will cost some money. But a strong, capable tutor may be just the boost your child needs to become a conďŹ dent, successful learner. *AN 0IERCE M.Ed., is a retired teacher and writer specializing in education, parenting and family life. She is the author of Homegrown Readers and Homegrown Family Fun. Find Jan at www.janpierce.net.

Lower Mainland Tutors Eye Level North Vancouver 604/904-8630 Burnaby-Southwest 604/436-1338 Coquitlam 604/442-8428 Oakridge 604/679-9168 Richmond-North 604/285-3835 Richmond-South 778/549-9871 Surrey 778/592-3330 Surrey-White Rock 778/592-3330 myeyelevel.com Eye Level is a supplementary education program offering Math and English programs that are heavily focused on developing a child’s critical thinking and analytical skills. Eye Level is based on the educational philosophy of individualized learning. MPM Math 604/266-6762; mpmmath.com In the MPM Math Education program, elementary-school students build problemsolving and critical thinking math abilities while developing self-confidence and independence in learning. The JELIC program, for ages 3–6 years old, is dedicated for preschoolers to solve problems independently through specially-designed logic puzzles, under the supervision of a qualified instructor.

22 BCPARENT CA s EDUCATION ISSUE

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Winter Actvities

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portive approach nurtures dancers 2–22 to achieve their full potential. At the professional level, our graduates go on to perform with some of the world’s most prestigious companies. THEATRE & MUSIC: Costumes, improv, script work, character studies, theatrical performances, and local tours! Arts Umbrella’s Theatre & Music programs nurture

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BCPARENT CA s EDUCATION ISSUE 23

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winter activity guide Bricks 4 Kidz

Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, New Westminster 778-872-7836, 604/250-6665 bricks4kidz.com/vancouver Ages 4–12 Bricks 4 KidzŽ provides STEM programs that inspire kids to learn about architecture, engineering and design concepts while having fun building with LEGOŽ bricks. Now offering Birthday Parties, After School Enrichment Classes and Camps. Colourstrings Music & Movement Group Classes

Vancouver, 778/846-0127 colourstringsvan.com Ages 3 mths to 6 years In age specific groupings children enjoy songs and games that develop a solid musical foundation. The more advanced classes introduce music reading and writing. Classes now available. French! Instrumental Lessons for children, 5 years and upwards: Violin, Viola, Piano, Percussion, Flute, Cello and Acoustic Guitar. Jump! Gymnastics

North Vancouver: 604/971-0513 Yaletown: 604/568-9690 jumpgymnastics.ca Ages 6 mths to 7 yrs

Jump Gymnastics programming gives your child the strongest foundation for success in all sports and an active life. Classes, camps, birthday parties, date nights and more for kids from 6 months through their 7th year. Jump into the fun! Kindermusik with Miss Audrey

778/838-9595 kindermusik.com Newborn to 7 years Kindermusik classes are interactive, child-led and filled with singing, dancing, sign language, instrument play, and storytelling. They are 45 minutes long and include digital materials to continue the learning at home. Classes are led by Miss Audrey who is Montessori and RCM-trained. Lights Up Musical Theatre Schools

Locations throughout the Lower Mainland 1-888/502-5253, lightsuptheatre.ca Ages 3–18 At Lights Up Schools, we teach Musical Theatre fundamentals that help students shine onstage and in all aspects of their lives. Whether your child randomly bursts into song and dance, or is finding their voice, Lights Up is the perfect extra-curricular activity. Are you ready to shine? Join our weekend SINGING, DANCING & ACTING theatre classes. Weekend Classes, Spring and Summer Camps, Birthday Parties.

Tom Lee Music Academy

Lower Mainland, 604/688-8929 tomleemusic.ca/lessons At Tom Lee Music Academy, you can enjoy excellent music education in a fun community atmosphere. Students of all ages come together for a positive music making experience at our 4 key and satellite locations in Lower Mainland, plus 2 on Vancouver Island. To register, please call 604/688-8929 TumbleTown Movement Education Centre

Vancouver, 604/357-7355 tumbletown.ca Ages 6 mths to 8yrs January 2–March 29 TumbleTown Movement Education Centre offers specialized movement programs for children from 4 months to 8 years old. Our programs introduce children to fun and challenging activities through movement circuits, games and music. Our programs are designed to provide children with the fundamental skills necessary to keep them active for life! We offer a variety of programs for your needs: weekly classes, family drop ins, birthday parties and school closure gym-venture days. Sign up today for our Winter term!

1 in 5 children is at risk of going to school hungry.

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YOUR CHILD’S CONFIDENCE CENTRE STAGE

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WARM THE HEART New Metrotown Location! At Lights U Up Schools, we teach Musical Theatre fundamentals to help students shine on stage and in all aspects of their lives. F Whether your child randomly bursts into song and dance, or is ďŹ nding their voice, Lights Up is the perfect extra-curricular activity. Singing, Dancing & Acting classes for 3-18yrs, Spring and Summer Camps, Birthday Parties.

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Healthy Habits Make Happy Families “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.�

By Joanne Randle

—Aristotle

Holiday Habits

As the year end approaches and we slide into the dizzying pace of life over the holidays, we may also find our healthy routines sliding out of our grasp. The most anticipated time of the year for kids, can be the most dreaded for parents. There are cards to write (if you still do that), gifts to buy and wrap (for teachers too), school concerts to attend, cookies to bake, parties to go to, dinners to host, just to scratch the surface. It can be exhausting just thinking about it. But just when we need a surplus of time and energy to get through the day, we often find ourselves grabbing food on the run, skipping the gym, staying up too late, eating or drinking too much, mindlessly browsing the internet, and losing sleep. We could throw our hands up in the air, ďŹ guring we may as well let it all slide. After all, we can make New Year’s resolutions after the chaos settles. But, what if you were able to navigate the season with more ease?

More Joy? More kindness to yourself and to others? The Habit Loop

Science has shown unequivocally that our health and well-being are intrinsically linked to our lifestyle. Although there’s always more to learn, most of us know which actions are most likely to benefit

The “habit loop� consists of three parts: the cue; the action; and the reward.

us and which aren’t. Yet we often don’t do those things that we know are best for us. The burgeoning ďŹ eld of neuroscience has made leaps and bounds in discovering why we do—or don’t do—what we know

is best. Upwards of 40% of what we do, each and every day, is driven by our habits. One key then, to maximizing our health and happiness is in creating positive routines and habits, both for ourselves and for our children. Habits are deďŹ ned as the actions that each of us do at some point, and then stop thinking about but continue doing regularly, often unconsciously. When it comes to habits, what works for one does not work for all. We have different habits; beneďŹ t from different habits; and struggle with different habits. But the way habits work in our brain is the same for each of us—at some point we engage in a certain behaviour; our action brings about a result that our brain perceives as pleasant or life enhancing in some way; we repeat the action, and experience the reward again. In order to conserve energy, our basal ganglia learns the pattern and begins to prompt us

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to repeat the habit whenever we encounter the cue, freeing up our attention for more pressing issues, should they arise. The “habit loop� consists of three parts: the cue; the action; and the reward. Habit Change

Like us, our children benefit from certain habits and routines, while other habits hold them back. There is no end to the advice we may receive about sleep routines, eating habits, homework and exercise schedules, just to name a few. But there is no one-sizefits-all solution. It’s up to us, as parents, to figure out which ones work best for us, and for our kids. Habits can become established without our awareness, or they can be designed and implemented purposefully. Out of the hundreds or thousands of habits we repeat regularly, some will be helpful and others, well, not so much. The good news, and the bad, is that once solidly established, habits cannot be entirely erased. However, unhelpful habits can be overwritten by new, more positive habits. It’s possible to learn, and even enjoy, new healthy habits with intention and practice. Once we understand how the habit loop works we can consciously alter it. Changing one part of the loop has the potential of changing the entire loop. Admittedly, some habits are relatively easy to change, begin, or end, while others are decidedly more challenging. Establishing a habit of daily ossing may be relatively easy, while getting regular exercise may come naturally for some, but not for others. The best way to ďŹ nd out what works for you or for your kids is to try and see what happens. For example, maybe you are feeling sluggish and want to begin an exercise routine to enhance your energy or mood. You will need a cue, which reminds you that it’s time to exercise, so that you can enjoy the beneďŹ t of more energy and a better mood. Your cue needs to be a reliably repeating event. It could be at a certain time (an hour of the day, or before or after another activity, such as when you get up/before the kids get home from school/right after work), or it could be a place (at the gym/yoga studio/park). Your new routine, (habit loop) could look like this: Cue: before the kids get home from school Action: go for a run

Reward: more energy, better mood Or maybe you feel your kids spend too much time on screens, which is interfering with bedtime and a good night’s sleep. You could simply forbid them to use screens after dinner and if you are steadfast, they may eventually overwrite the screen habit with some other activity, but likely not without a lot of protest and struggle. Alternatively, you can help them to overwrite their screen habit by replacing the action with a new

Once we understand how the habit loop works we can consciously alter it. Changing one part of the loop has the potential of changing the entire loop.

routine. You could plan that after dinner, before bedtime, you and your family will spend some time together. Depending on the weather, maybe you’ll go for a walk, throw a frisbee at the park, or play a board game at home. You still may get the odd protest in the beginning, but eventually it will become the new routine and you won’t have to think about it. Your new routine, (habit loop) could look like this: Cue: after the dishes are done Action: walk/frisbee/board game Reward: closer family, better night’s sleep Reflect and Plan

Carve out about 40 minutes to an hour, without distractions, to sit and reflect. Make yourself a cup of tea, grab a pen and paper (or journal), and settle into a cozy spot. Take a look at your current habits, both helpful and unhelpful. This could be anything from what time you get up in the morning, to what you eat for breakfast, how you schedule your work day, your social media habits, or how much time you spend with family and friends. Choose a few good habits and a few not so great ones. Consider how they impact your life right now, as well as what results they are likely to produce in the future. Choose one habit that you can tweak today to nudge yourself towards more ease over the holiday season. Begin by recording

what you know right now about your cue, your habitual action, and your reward. Plan on altering one at a time until you ďŹ nd a new routine that works for you. Next, list a few habits you’d like to establish that you feel would serve you in your life. Have you been planning to learn a new language, wanting to read more, thinking about meditating regularly? Maybe 5 or 10 minutes a day would be manageable to begin with. Here you get to start from scratch. Pick one new habit that will support you to get the most out of the holidays this year. Decide on a cue, the action you will take, and the desired reward. Begin

Start small and give yourself a time frame, such as a week or month, to experiment with each habit to see for yourself what works. Once you begin, jot down your observations so you can course-correct along the way. It can actually be a fun process of self discovery. As you learn what works for you, you’ll become better able to support your children’s positive routines and confident in tackling more substantial habit change in the future. There’s no need to wait until the calendar turns over. You can begin to incorporate a habit or two right now to create more ease over the holidays. You may even ďŹ nd yourself enjoying the process as you learn what works for you personally. And if you do decide to make some New Year’s resolutions, you will know how to go about implementing them when the time comes. *OANNE 2ANDLE is a Life Coach and Program Facilitator passionate about supporting others to flourish, both individually and within strong and healthy relationships. She is a mother, step-mother, grandmother, and founder of The Habit Workshop. https://www.thehabitworkshop.com

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3. PAW Patrol Ultimate Rescue Fire Truck Ages 3–4

Save the day with Marshalls Ultimate Rescue Fire Truck! This vehicle is equipped with an extendable 2 ft. ladder, flashing lights and sounds—its ready for anything! To activate, simply lift and pull and the adventure begins with Marshall (figure included) in the lookout cab. Lift open the top to help Marshall leap into action. Using the water cannon launcher at the bottom of the cab, you can send up to three water cannons (included) flying into the fire! SRP $79.99 Available at ToysRUs, Canadian Tire, MasterMind Toys, Walmart 1. Fisher-PriceŽ 2-in-1 Sit-to-Stand Activity Center with Newborn Playmat 9–36 months

From tummy time, to sitting and spinning, to standing and exploring all around this 2-in-1, jungle-themed activity center will keep your little monkeys as busy as can be! The soft play mat and musical alligator are perfect for teeny ones to lay and play, while the fabric seat allows older babies to spin around and discover all 360 degrees of exciting toys and activities. And with an add-on ramp with shape-sorter bugs to send sliding down, toddlers can keep the good times rolling!

2. Pip & Vix Art Kits for Kids Ages 3–13+ years

This monthly art box offers busy parents a one-stop shopping experience for creative and educational art projects for kids ages 3–13+years, delivered to your door. Each kit comes jam-packed with high-quality art materials, a step-by-step instruction guide and a fun fact sheet. Every month there’s a new art box exploring different themes and techniques; always educational and loaded up with hands-on, creative fun! SRP $29.95 per month, plus $9.95 flat rate shipping anywhere in Canada. Available at pipandvixartkits.com

SRP: $129.99 Available at Walmart, Babies “R� Us, Amazon, BuybuyBaby and Indigo

4. Little Lives Scruff-a-Loves Ages 3–7

Find us Scruffy, Make us Fluffy! These unloved and abandoned pets are in need of your help! When buying your Blue Scruff-a-Luv, they arrive as a sad ball of matted fur, but once you bathe them, dry them, brush them and love them, you will discover what kind of pet they really are! Who will you rescue? A Blue Puppy, Kitten or Bunny? Only by saving a Scruff-a-Luv will you find out. In return, they will be your FFF (Furry Friend Forever). SRP $29.99 Available at ToysRUs.ca

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2 5. How to Build Brick Airplanes Ages 6+

How to Build Brick Airplanes is loaded with clear, easy-to-follow designs for creating contemporary and classic jets, warbirds, bombers, and more—using nothing more than bricks found in many common LEGO sets. More than just simple, generic recreations, the planes here are all scale models of their real-world counterparts. SRP $32.99 Available at Indigo, Amazon.com, and other bookstores 6. Beautiful You Dress

5

Adorable and comfortable dress for kids to move freely from playtime to any festive occasion, focusing on soft, comfortable materials they will want to live in! Products are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certified, which means the fabric has been tested and contains no harmful substances. SRP $58 CA Available at peekaboobeans.com

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Festival of Trees

Nov 21–Jan 1 Vancouver, Four Seasons Hotel bcchf.ca/fot All ages welcome. Come browse through the holiday display and cast a ballot for your favourite tree. Vancouver Christmas Market

Nov 21–Dec 24 Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Place vancouverchristmasmarket.com All welcome, children under 6 are free. Christmas at FlyOver Canada

Nov 22–Jan 6 10 am–9 pm daily* flyovercanada.com 604/620-8455 Children must be at least 102 cm (40�) tall to enter FlyOver Canada. Children (12 and under) must be accompanied by an adult or guardian (14 years or older). FlyOver Canada will transform into a magical winter wonderland this Christmas season. Join Santa on a magical flight across Canada and then end with a sneak peak of Santa’s magical North Pole! *Dec 24 10 am–6 pm, closed Dec 25 Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain

Nov 23–Jan 6 grousemountain.com/Christmas All ages welcome! Dress dress for the weather conditions. Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Nov 23–Jan 8 capbridge.com/explore/ canyon-lights

Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum

Bright Nights in Stanley Park, Vancouver

Nov 24–Jan 4 burnabyvillagemuseum.ca Festive lighting and decorations greet you at the entrance of the Village to give you a small glimpse of the spectacular display of history and lights awaiting inside. Special entertainment is scheduled throughout the season including theatre performances, community choirs, street characters and musicians. Enjoy family favourite activities including a craft for children, baking in the Farmhouse and, of course, visits with Father Christmas!

Nov 30–Jan 6 vancouver.ca/parks-recreationculture/bright-nights-train

Polar Express – West Coast Railway

Nov 24–Dec 16 Heritage Park, Squamish wcra.org A Charlie Brown Christmas Double-Bill by Carousel Theatre for Young People

Nov 25–Dec 30 The Waterfront Theatre on Granville Island, tickets.carouseltheatre. ca or 604/685-6217 Wizard of Oz: An East Van Panto–presented by The Cultch

Nov 28–Jan 6 York Theatre, 639 Commercial Drive, Vancouver thecultch.com Hyatt Gingerbread Lane

Nov 30– Dec 28 Hyatt Regency Vancouver vancouver.hyatt.com Fun for all ages.

Portobello West Holiday Market

Yaletown Roundhouse Nov 30–Dec 2 portobellowest.com Hi-Light Festival

Dec 1–31 Park and Tilford, North Vancouver parkandtilford.com A Christmas Tradition and Maple Ridge Parade

The ACT Arts Centre, Maple Ridge December 1, 2–5pm theactmapleridge.org Festival of Trees in Steveston

Dec 1–31 Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, Steveston Village exploresteveston.com Surrey’s Christmas Train

Bear Creek Park Dec 1–31 bctrains.com/christmas VanDusen Garden Festival of Lights

Dec 1–31 Vancouver vandusengarden.org Christmas Finds at Kids Market, Granville Island

Dec 1–24 kidsmarket.ca Vancouver Santa Claus Parade

Sunday, Dec 2 Downtown Vancouver vancouversantaclausparade.com

Christmas in Steveston Village

Sunday, Dec 2 exploresteveston.com Santa arrives off the boat on Steveston Public Wharf at 1 pm. Free Santa hats. Bring your camera and take a photo with Santa inside the Gulf of Georgia Cannery from 2–4 pm. Carolling with Carousel – A Festive Concert & Sing-a-long

Dec 8 carouseltheatre.ca/production/ carolling-with-carousel/ Royal Winnipeg Ballet Nutcracker

Dec 7–9 balletbc.com/performance/ nutcracker-2018 A Traditional Christmas – Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Dec 12–20. Various venues throughout the Lower Mainland. vancouversymphony.ca Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Dec 21–23 gohnutcracker.com All ages welcome. Heritage Holiday – Fort Langley Historic Site

Dec 22–23, 29–30 parkscanada.gc.ca/fortlangley Escape the holiday bustle and make memories with your family and friends at the fort! Enjoy a traditional holiday atmosphere, crafts, and children’s activities. 23rd Annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival at Dr. Sun YatSen Classical Chinese Garden

Dec 21, 6–10 pm. Ages 3 and up.

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Articles inside

The Whole Child

1min
pages 6-7

Help Your Child Become a Reader

1min
pages 4-5
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