BC Parent Fall Issue

fall issue 2012 www.bcparent.ca

FALL Activity Guide Confessions of a bedtime story addict

C A N A D A’ S

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ourkids.net/expo Kinshasa Kids (Belgium/France/DR Congo, 85 min.)

Demonized and denounced by their families, 30,000 children live in the streets of Kinshasa, DR Congo. Amongst them is the indomitable José, who aspires to form a rap group and change his fortunes. Uncovering instances of poignancy and optimism amidst abject squalour, Marc-Henri Wajnberg’s film builds to a rousing climax that pulses with youthful abandon.

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The Monkey King—Uproar in Heaven 3D (China, 90 min.)

A grand spectacle, Su Da and Chen Zhihong’s 50th anniversary 3D restoration of China’s most lauded animated feature is truly a special event.

Based on the the Ming Dynasty classic Journey to the West, it chronicles the adventures of the magical Monkey King, a mischievous character who creates havoc in the palace of Heaven by refusing to kowtow to the Celestial Jade Emperor... Bring the kids! Classification: TBA.

2 bcparent.ca • fall 2012

Ernest et Célestine

I Am Not a Rock Star

Off-White Lies (Israel, 86 min.)

(France/Belgium/Luxembourg, 79 min.)

Like-minded Ernest, a busking bear, and Célestine, a boho mouse, forge an interspecies friendship and instantly become a cause célèbre.

Teaming with Benjamin Renner, A Town Called Panic’s Vincent Patar and Stéphane Aubier curb their anarchic tendencies and delicately craft “a cautionary fable where friendship tries to stand the test of bigotry and intolerance.”—Hollywood Reporter.

To be classified so all ages can attend!

(Canada, 85 min.)

At an age when most people are clueless and carefree, talented young Marika Bournaki was embarking on a prestigious career as a concert pianist. But was this wunderkind truly born to perform?

Director Bobbi Jo Hart follows Marika over eight years of adventure and self-discovery.

A charming family comedy with political bite, Maya Kenig’s Off-White Lies follows what happens when a sharp-witted teenage girl returns from the US to Israel to spend time with her likable rogue of a father, who’s been living “between apartments.” Since the second Lebanon war has just begun, dad figures they can find shelter by posing as refugees. The household they find provides some wonderful situational humour!

inside ...

5 Three year old time How my child brings me into the now

6 Say no to drugging your child The dangers of calling problems mental

8 BC Public Schools Back to the Basics

11 The no-gift birthday party How does it work?

12 The art of noticing your life A poem a day

14 Confessions of a bedtime story addict Bringing a calming conclusion to my day

17 Fall Activity Guide

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Fall Issue 2012 Volume 21, Number 6

bcparent.ca • fall 2012 3

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By Tiffany Doerr Guerzon he day starts with my son asking for the empty toilet paper roll as I take it off of the holder. I hand it to him, and he climbs up on the closed lid of the toilet and peers through one end of the cardboard tube.

“Arrgh,” he says. “Mommy, I a pirate!”

He bends at the knees, leaning forward in his T-shirt and Spiderman underwear while surveying the imaginary seas around us.

Three-year-olds have great imaginations, but they have no sense of time—at least not our time. Later that morning, my pirate makes us late for an appointment by taking forever to put on his own jacket, and refusing my help. I have learned from experience that trying to help a preschooler when they want to do something on their own will most certainly lead to a teary tantrum—and more delay. So I take deep breaths while tapping my foot.

That afternoon, a ten-minute walk to the park turns into thirty as he stops to examine the cracks in the sidewalk, an interesting rock and a flower. I just want to get there, but my son sees some ants and squats to get a closer look. Knowing that he won’t budge, I bend and watch the tiny creatures with him.

The ants march on, and so do we, eventually getting to the park. After playing on the equipment, my son runs around in the

T

grass and picks dandelions, handing me a sticky bouquet.

I notice that other families are leaving and realize with a start that it’s five o’clock. I tell him that it’s time to go home. Of course, he wants to stay. He plants his bottom on the ground, stubbornly refusing to move. I sigh and look again at my watch, mentally reviewing the night’s schedule. My older children are at sports practice, and my husband won’t be home for a while. But I need to get dinner started. My thoughts are interrupted by my son, squealing in delight as he watches a squirrel racing up a tree.

Soon he‘ll be off at his own activities, I think to myself. This is the last time I’ll have a three-year-old.

I decide that we can have sandwiches for dinner, and I sit down beside him on the grass. He points out an airplane, fascinated by its twin contrails stretching across the sky, and shows me a cloud that looks like a lion. He wants to know why the birds fly in a triangle, and we laugh as crows and squirrels gobble the goldfish crackers we throw onto the ground for them.

Not until the sun begins to sink and the air begins to cool do we start back. He slips his small hand into mine, and we make our way slowly home, on three-year-old time.

Tiffany Doerr Guerzon is a freelance writer and mother of three. She lives and writes near Seattle, Washington.

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bcparent.ca • fall 2012 5

Say “No” to drugging your kids

By Gerry Fewster, Ph.D. ave you ever thought that your child might have a mental health problem? According to the latest medical statistics, more than 800,000 Canadian children suffer from untreated mental health issues. It’s enough to alarm any parent already concerned about a child’s moodiness, impulsivity, inattention, aggression, disobedience, hyperactivity, apathy, or depression—all symptoms of disorders listed in psychiatric diagnostic manuals.

Faced with this information, you might take another look at your child, wondering if those bouts of unacceptable behaviour, bizarre thoughts, and offensive attitudes are due to a dysfunctional brain. Before rushing off to your family physician or local Mental

H

Tagged and classified by various “disorders,” rather than being known for their unique traits and potentials, children are drawn into a system that views them as treatable objects.

Health Clinic for a diagnosis, please consider the consequences.

There’s no doubt that increasing numbers of kids are in trouble.

After more than twenty years as Director of a large treatment centre for emotionally disturbed children and their families, I support the contention that these troubles are increasingly severe. But I am not prepared to accept the idea that significant numbers suffer from biochemical disturbances requiring medical intervention. These kids may be confused or angry but they are not sick, and treating them as “patients” is not the answer.

We need to realize that our troubled children live in a very troubled and unpredictable world. Given our environmental, economic, 6 bcparent.ca • fall 2012

and political woes, it’s hardly surprising that, by the age of eleven, over sixty percent of children are pessimistic about their futures.

Families that once stood together through difficult times have become more transient arrangements. All too often, families are dissolved in acrimony when children most need close relationships offering both love and security. Yet without these critical foundations, many kids are pushed to perform, to become successful in a competitive, achievement-oriented world. If they fail to live up to expectations, wilt under pressure, or rebel against authority, we turn to experts for explanations and solutions.

When we identify the problem as mental, and the solution as medical, everybody is conveniently off the hook. Parents don’t have to feel guilty, teachers don’t have to feel incompetent, and kids don’t have to be responsible for their feelings, thoughts, or behaviour. Then comes the “treatment.” While counselling and therapy are often mentioned, psychotropic drugs are now the mainstay of the mental health industry. In our society, taking drugs is part of everyday life—and the massive pharmaceutical industry is testimony to our dedication. We all know that the right pill at the right time can fix almost any problem. So a couple of pills before school is hardly a big deal. We also know that, at some point, a price will be paid— and not only at the drugstore. Whatever experts may say, we have no idea of the long-term effect of psychotropic drugs on a child’s developing brain. The price may be catastrophic.

Drugs may be the tip of the iceberg. Perhaps more serious damage occurs when a child becomes convinced that he or she is the victim of an illness that can only be cured by others. Tagged and classified by various “disorders,” rather than being known for their unique traits and potentials, children are drawn into a system that views them as treatable objects. For whatever reason, that system is always on the lookout for more clients. Over the past few decades, psychiatric diagnostic manuals have listed a steadily increasing number of new disorders and syndromes. These highly questionable classifications encompass a growing proportion of the population—so if your child is not included now, you may only have to wait for the new 2012 manual to come out. Could this be one of the real reasons why 800,000 children are considered to need mental health

services? As things stand, even infants are diagnosed with depression and attachment disorders, and subjected to medical intervention. Where will it all end?

If so many Canadian kids are in trouble, is there another way to address the problem? Of course, but the alternative is not as easy as a quick diagnosis followed by a visit from the Pill Fairy. Problem kids still need what children have always needed—relationships with caring, loving, and responsible adults focused on the child rather than the behaviour. All children need to be seen and heard for who they really are—to be recognized as unique human beings with the innate potential to create their lives in their own way.

Children who receive this message early in life do not lose their concentration, sneer in resentment, sink into despair, or kick back in anger. Whatever is happening around them, their strength is inside and they will eventually make their own decisions. These kids do not end up in prison or on the psych ward. Free and selfresponsible, they are our only hope for a more compassionate, rational, and responsible world.

The good news is it’s never too late. Even the most troubled and seemingly unresponsive teenagers want to be seen and heard by a caring adult they can trust. With the possible exception of child and youth care workers, most professionals do not have the mandate, time, or inclination to create such relationships. Parents are still the best bet. But if you still believe that medication is the answer, first ask to see the evidence—with studies that are not sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry.

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By Bev Yaworski

he 2011/2012 school year was a time of turmoil and uncertainty for many parents, teachers and students. The upcoming year may still prove confusing for parents as they search for information about what to expect. It can be challenging to sort out what is happening in BC public schools today when there are annoucements about new schools being built, others closing down, seismic earthquake upgrades, expensive new technology, expanded kindergarten, and staff reductions. More people are making their views known about public education in BC in an attempt to sort through the confusion.

Richmond teacher Jennifer Guzman says: “I speak as a parent with a child in the system, and as a primary teacher of 10 years. With the consistent underfunding of public education, I am forced to watch students’ needs get neglected year after year.

Students who present moderate behaviour and learning challenges who do not fall into small, specific categories are simply left to fend for themselves. Teachers are continually faced with the tough question “what magic will I have to perform this year to give each child the support they deserve?”

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8 bcparent.ca • fall 2012

This year in particular was filled with anxiety and stress for most teachers, which then translates to the students.”

After months of negotiations and job actions in 2011/ 2012, the BC Teachers’ Federation accepted an agreement in June with the government’s bargaining agent, the BC Public School Employers’ Association.

“I am forced to watch students’ needs get neglected year after year.”

“I doubt you could find a single teacher in BC who is happy with this agreement because it does absolutely nothing to improve the situation in classrooms for students or teachers,” said Susan Lambert, president of the BC Teachers’ Federation. “It doesn’t address class size and composition. Looking ahead to the 2012–13 school year, we can see that these looming cuts are clearly going

to have a negative impact in schools and communities across the province.”

Ms. Lambert noted that the 150 teaching positions lost this year come on top of over 3,500 full-time positions lost in the last decade, especially teacher-librarians, school counsellors, learning assistants and resource teachers with specialized training.

“That is an enormous amount of professional expertise, personal caring, and individual attention lost to the students of BC,” Lambert said.

With the overall education budget frozen, the public education system needs an additional $100 million simply to keep up with inflationary cost increases. Teachers are worried about overcrowded classrooms, inadequate supplies, closing school libraries, overburdened counsellors and learning assistance teachers, and unsupported special needs students.

Class size

Since September 2002, the size of BC public school classes has increased. At the same time as the number of students in classes increased, supports for students with special needs were reduced. The BC student-edu-

cator ratio is among the worst in Canada.

Reviewing BC Ministry of Education reports and the BC teachers’ analysis of classroom size reveals that about 10,000 BC classes are above the maximum allowed.

The recommended class size is: Kindergarten: 19 children; Grades 1 to 3: 21 students; Grades 4 to 7: 28 students; and Grades 8 to 12: maximum 30 students. (There is some flexibility in these numbers depending on type of subject taught.) Schools such as those in Vancouver, have few classes over 30, although they do have a few small classes.

Any small class is likely to be combined with another small class to keep costs down.

Educators and parents both know that smaller classes create greater individual student attention and are better for successful learning. Teachers can devote more time to each student—answering questions and helping solve small problems before they become big ones.

Ministry of Education: BC’s Education Plan

The BC Ministry of Education recently adopted a new Education Plan for BC. The document emphasizes redesigning and mod-

ernizing the public school system by calling on schools to be “more flexible, dynamic and adaptable.� The plan also focuses on the basics of reading, writing and math.

The Plan has five key elements: • Personalized learning for every student • Quality teaching and learning • Flexibility and choice • High standards • Learning empowered by technology The Ministry notes that: “Since 2001, government has spent more than $2.1 billion to complete 93 new and replacement schools, 150 additions, 27 renovations and 22 site acquisitions. The Ministry is also currently working to upgrade, replace and build a total of 60 schools across B.C. over the next four years. The total cost of these projects is approximately $1.5 billion.

Curriculum Changes: Back to Basics?

Not everyone is thrilled with the Ministry’s BC Education Plan. Most parents want to see their children in a school that provides opportunities for all children to develop their diverse talents. While the basic subjects are important, a well-rounded educa-

tion includes the arts, physical activity, educational field trips and more than the 3 Rs. A concern is that with reduced funding available for schools, a focus on basic education and technology will negatively take away from other program areas. The plan has been described as “a destination without a road map or the money for gas to get there.�

Teacher Lisa Manzini, who is one of the few remaining elementary Physical Education specialists left in BC, says: “With larger class sizes and less gym time, students are often not given the opportunity to participate in a quality daily physical education program for 150 min. per week. The focus on literacy and numeracy skills has taken focus off of basic fundamental movement skills.� “My goal has been to ensure my students come to the gym and love to be there.

Physical education is not just about traditional sports (basketball, volleyball, etc) it’s about creating a lifelong passion for physical activity. Physical Education class is about creating an environment that promotes Continued on page 10

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bcparent.ca • fall 2012 9

“We have less money for basic needs, textbooks, laminating & photocopying.”

Continued from page 9

cooperation, acceptance, involvement, creativity, FUN as well as teaching fundamental movement skills (running, jumping, kicking, throwing, catching) flexibility, cardiovascular strength, and an understanding of a healthy and active lifestyle.”

“We have less money to refurbish our equipment rooms,” adds Lisa. “We have less money for basic needs, text books, photocopying, art supplies, laminating or guests/ performances coming into a school. Teachers often spend time at the end of their days ensuring their classrooms are clean.”

A Surrey teacher-librarian says over the past 4 years, her time at one of her schools has been reduced from 4 days per week to 2 ½ days per week. Her school library is closed for the rest of the week, which is quite typical through the Surrey school district. Teacher Rita Spearman commenting on the Ministry’s BC Education Plan says: “We need to have full time elementary librarians, who help students choose books to read and help them (and their teachers) do research and write reports, be it using books or computers. You cannot promote reading successfully, when most elementary libraries are closed. Today, too many students are just going online and copying information without reading it or understanding it.”

The Vancouver School Board has explored creative ways to balance their budget. Board Chair and parent Patti Bacchus emphasizes that provincial funding increas10 bcparent.ca • fall 2012

es have not kept pace with costs. Reducing the school year by 5 days and turning down the heat in schools has been saving Vancouver money. You might see peeling paint on classroom walls, some outdated equipment, older textbooks and closed libraries.

You will still see multicultural liaison and settlement workers supporting families who speak different languages. Some schools may have technology such as iPads—often with help from parent fundraising. Subjects such as the Arts and Physical Education are still on the curriculum, but schools are not likely to have a dedicated specialist teacher for these areas. Some schools still offer Music such as strings programs with 2 sessions per week, along with a band program, but with user fees. All of these programs though are always under financial pressure.

Parents’ Response

Passionate parents are advocating on behalf of the public education system. For example: the Vancouver District Parent Advisory Council, representing over 40,000 parents, sent a 2012 letter to the Minister of Education saying: “Our parents are not satisfied with yearly cuts to education services in our schools. We recognize that government funding has been increased over the years; nevertheless the increases do not keep pace with the cost of living nor reflect the needs of schools, teachers and students. Families are being asked to make up differences and now purchase playgrounds, books, classroom essentials and even paper for students.”

BC parent Scott Drake, with children aged 7 and 10 years of age attending public school, says: “Increased reliance on Parent Advisory Councils to provide funding creates a system of inequality where those schools in neighbourhoods with more money are better able to deal with the cuts because there is more disposable income on the part of these parents to supplement the diversion of provincial funding away from areas deemed non-essential. Not only does this set up a distinction between schools, but it is a means of double dipping into parents’ purses, once in their taxes and then again in the form of PAC fundraising.”

Vancouver School Board Chair and parent Patti Bacchus emphasizes: “At the same time, we still have a very good, strong public school system when you compare it internationally. It has become leaner, but it’s not all bad. There are many exciting successful activities still going on with students and teachers.”

To find out more about specific school funding and programs in your area or how to get more involved in your child’s education, consult the following resources.

Resources BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils: http://www.bccpac.bc.ca/ BC’s Education Plan: http://www.bcedplan.ca/ BC Teachers’ Federation: http://bctf.ca/

By Kerrie McLoughlin

hances are your kid will attend dozens of birthday parties over the course of the next few years. At even $10 a pop for a gift, that can really add up. Now think of all the gifts that come into your own home for birthdays and other holidays. Picture at least half of that stuff eventually going into a landfill or to charity.

Talk about a bunch of wasted money! So I’m proposing a radical idea: the No-Gift Birthday Party. You’ll have a lot less clean-up, and the other parents just might thank you. Try it just once and see what you think! Here are some ideas: • Instead of giving your child a birthday gift or even a party, consider giving an experience. Ideas include: a trip to an indoor or outdoor amusement park, the zoo or water park.

• For very young children, consider giving just one fun gift from you, and ask everyone else to gift money for a savings account. I know my babies were too young to care about gifts, but they sure are proud of the money they already have saved for their future.

• Ask guests to bring canned goods for a local food bank to the party. After cake, depending on the ages of the kids, caravan to the food bank so the kids and adults can help out for a couple of hours.

• Cook up some fun at a place where kids can cook. Businesses like this often offer birthday parties where kids can make their own pizza or decorate their own little cake.

• Have a party at a cool place like a nature center and ask for donations. Jaime Perreca, mom of 4, said, “More parents are saying ‘no gifts, please’ or are doing a donation thing. We went to a party

last month at a nature center and were asked to donate money.

Most families put in $10–20. The nature center was SO happy to have our donation.”

• Go to a shop where the kids can paint their own pottery creation, which is super fun. Then have cake and ice cream bars.

• Have a short and simple party at your house. All the kids can decorate their own mini cake or cupcake with all the fixins (colored frostings, sprinkles, candied toppings) after playing a variety of party games.

• Throw a party with an animal theme. Shari Fresorger, mom of Hunter, said, “We have done two no-gift parties because my son has a December birthday. [At the first] we did animal themed Christmas ornaments, and gifts were donated to the local animal shelter. The second party… I ended up with a large SUV packed with supplies for the animal shelter. Lots of large bags of dog food, blankets, toys, and even checks to be donated in my son’s name.”

• Ask guests to bring an item from home or even a new book or toy for charity. Your child will get a kick out of taking donations to a local center that helps those in need.

• If you’re brave enough, give a slumber party a try. The kids can watch a movie, have some pizza, popcorn, cake and ice cream. A shaving-cream fight is always a hit during warmer months.

If you do it right, nobody will be thinking about presents at all.

They’ll be too busy having fun!

Kerrie McLoughlin is the mom of 5 and author of “Make Money to Write About Your Kids.”

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All Children should Have a Complete Eye Exam by Age 3 bcparent.ca • fall 2012 11

The art of noticing your life

By Samantha Reynolds

W

hen I had my son in September 2010, everyone gave me the same advice: “Savour this first year; it’s so fleeting.” I heard them loud and clear but how to do it wasn’t so apparent.

I tried staring at his little face but inevitably my mind would wander to what to cook for dinner or how to woo that big San Francisco client (running my own business meant no maternity leave).

I’m a lousy meditator and a compulsive list-maker, but what does—and always has —ground me to the very pinpoint of the present moment is writing. And so it was that I decided my New Year’s resolution for 2011 would be to get present by writing a poem every day. Not so much to rack up reams of poems, but to see the world through the eyes of a poet. To slow down, savour, take delight in, and notice the very essence of the world around me.

I could have chosen to keep a diary but there is something wonderfully bracketed about a poem. It’s like it has its own rhythm and it knows when to end. A diary entry felt too open-ended, which is a little daunting for a daily project. I had written less than a dozen poems in my life before I embarked on this project. And I can unequivocally say that the practice of writing a poem a day has 12 bcparent.ca • fall 2012

been transformative. The act of noticing the details of my days, just in case one might be the seed of a poem, forces me to be mindful, even when the days are tedious and smell distinctly of pureed yams and baby pee.

I write my poems at the very end of the night. There is something about the imposed deadline of imminent sleep that cuts through the deliberation of writing and forces me to commit. Plus, by the end of I’m a lousy meditator and a compulsive list-maker, but what does—and always has—ground me to the very pinpoint of the present moment is writing.

the day, I am so saturated with all the “noticing”, the poem practically drops right out. (My husband says it’s creepy but I think that’s a compliment.)

Even if you are defiantly opposed to the idea of writing poetry, I challenge you to spend one day trying to notice as many details as possible as your day unfolds. The way your kitchen smells like toast, the way your neighbor washes his car with such ten-

derness, how much your feet remind you of your father, the chalky white of the sky.

Being creative is rewarding but just as meaningful to me is the journey of mindfulness, and the enduring sweetness of slowing down and savouring your life. The whole point is to cherish your days, get hungry for those illuminated moments that insist you write them down, or photograph them.

Being present is gorgeously uncomplicated. You are having experiences every second. Your toddler is singing Old McDonald at the top of his lungs, or your teenager is putting on eyeliner in your bathroom. Your job is just to lean in and pay attention.

Do it over breakfast, and in the car on the way to soccer practice. In the line-up at the bank. Sitting on the bus. Hosting a dinner party. Having sex.

Breathe. Settle a little deeper into the moment. Look hard. What do you see? If the grass is green, what does it remind you of? Does it look like the waxy skin of an apple, or the colour of your grandmother’s eyes?

When you really see each moment, as truthfully as you can, meaning emerges.

Your life is trying to teach you. Every moment is a stockpile of insight. Poetry is your language for hearing that wisdom. Be

hungry for details. Turn your senses loose on the world. It will slow down your life just enough so that food will taste better. So will kissing. You will grow gratitude in potholes of irritation. You will grow patience.

You will grow giddy, and forgiving. You will fall back in love with your life.

Don’t let the monks fool you—being present is not about being still.

Being present is about being euphoric.

So ride the ruckus of life. Delight in the wallop of color. Listen. You never knew the city could harness the hymns of so many birds.

Samantha Reynolds founded www.bentlily.com, a popular poetry blog that was featured in O Magazine and sparked a movement of people around the world to slow down and savour their lives. When not racking up reams of poetry, she runs Echo Memoirs, a high-end boutique publishing company that she founded in 1999, specializing in writing and designing personal memoirs and corporate histories for clients ranging from yoga-wear giant lululemon to 104-year-old grandmothers. She counts her blessings as a mom and wife to two of the loveliest men in the world. She lives in Vancouver, BC.

Why I wrote so many poems One day you will ask me why I wrote so many poems and I will tell you about how my breath slowed when I watched you play with curtains and pens how I often pressed my nose against your little back not to smell you but to warm my face the way you nibbled on my shoulder bone in different ways to mean different things and the rhapsody I felt when I realized I understood you.

I will look at you then your big hands a beard perhaps the pools of private thoughts behind your eyes and wonder why I wrote so few. xo S. bcparent.ca • fall 2012 13

By Holly Bowne

T

Confessions of a Bedtime Story Addict 14 bcparent.ca • fall 2012

hey say the first step to healing an addiction is admitting you have a problem. Well, I don’t know if I have a problem exactly. It’s just that I like to read bedtime stories to my kids. A lot. Maybe it’s a little unusual considering they are now teenagers. And sure, it’s a bit difficult for my daughter and me to squeeze together onto her twin-size bed, her being a full three inches taller than me and all; but, I tell myself I can quit anytime I want. The truth is… I’m not so sure. And my children have become my enablers.

It all started when my firstborn was about 10 months old, and I decided that we needed to add a new and loving phase to our relationship by establishing a bedtime routine. I looked on it as a way to let her know it was time to slow down and prepare for sleep. I’d gather her up onto my husband’s and my queen-size bed, piling the pillows around us to create a comfy, little cocoon where we’d slowly savor a picture book together. (Well, I’d savor, she was more interested in chewing on the cover.)

As she got older, I pulled out all my old favorites—rereading classics like the “Little House on the Prairie” series, “Nancy Drew,” and “Anne of Green Gables.” We became immersed in the imaginary. Then along came “Harry Potter,” and together we entered the world of fantasy. I satisfied my dramatic bent by creating distinctive voices for each character. The boisterous, cockney accent of Hagrid, the cool, insolence of Draco Malfoy, and the calm of Dumbledore.

I thought perhaps I’d finally overcome my compulsion to read aloud every night when my son’s developing taste in books varied so sharply from my own. My passion has always been fiction, but he’s much more interested in reading about volcanoes, wolves, and medieval knights. Initially, I’d sigh when he’d pull out his choice of reading material for the night. “Don’t you want me to read this?” I’d whine (who is the child here?) holding up a “ Hardy Boys” mystery.

“Not tonight, mom.” He’d reply, happily climbing onto his bed and plumping the pillows in anticipation.

But I soon found myself just as fascinated as he was with the interesting new facts we’d discover together. I mean, did you know that pumice stones—used to smooth

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twin-size bed, her being a full three inches taller than me and all; but, I tell myself I can quit anytime I want.”

AL SIMMONS

the rough spots on our feet and elbows— are actually volcanic rock?

Like any good junkie, I always finagle a way to satisfy my habit by reading to them both every night. Occasionally our storytimes can run a bit late, especially if I get caught up in a particularly good chapter.

When my husband inevitably comes looking for me, he rolls his eyes to find me once again curled up with one or the other of them, dramatically relating the latest story of choice. “I’m only reading five minutes to each of them!” I call out to his retreating backside. As if that is sufficient enough explanation for the fact that I’m reading bedtime stories at 10:00 p.m. on a school night.

In my defense, I truly believe these special storytimes are as much for the kids as they are for me. Just like me, they love and look forward to this special bonding time we share. After hectic days of homework, after-school sports and multiple parenting challenges, I need this time reading with them. In much the way my husband relaxes by flipping through the channels on the television in the evening, reading to my children relaxes me. It brings a calming conclusion to the day. A time to cuddle with them on their beds, with the warmth of a new book covering us like a cozy blanket.

I acknowledge, though don’t want to admit, my days are numbered. With our oldest in high school, and our youngest finishing up the middle school years, too soon it will be over, and they’ll be onto new adventures of their own making. But for now, I’ll happily feed my addiction, and treasure up every single, sacred minute of our bedtime storytimes together.

BRAMWELL TOVEY

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Holly Bowne’s work has appeared in regional, national and online publications. Visit her at www.hollybowne.blogspot.com where she explores the more humorous aspects of balancing the writing life with parenting her teenage children.

bcparent.ca • fall 2012 15

Two tickets to Ontario Medley With Jane Urquhart Sunday, October 21, 1:30pm Waterfront Theatre

Treasured author Jane Urquhart will read from her acclaimed novels accompanied by Vancouver’s renowned Chor Leoni Men’s Choir. Evoking southwestern Ontario, its lakes and winter and the scarlet woods of fall, Jane Urquhart infuses her writing with a stirring voice and sense of place. Chor Leoni’s repertoire runs the scale from sombre to comedic, well able to perfectly complement the passages that Urquhart will choose.

Enter at bcparent.ca Contest ends Oct 15th

Win tickets for

Kinshasa Kids

2

by Marc-Henri Wajnberg, Belgium/France/DR Congo

Tue. Oct 2, 12:40 pm, Granville #5; Mon. Oct 8, 7:00 pm, Granville #1; Thu. Oct 11, 1:15 pm, Granville #2 Demonized and denounced by their families, 30,000 children live in the streets of Kinshasa, DR Congo. Amongst them is the indomitable José, who aspires to form a rap group and change his fortunes.

Uncovering instances of poignancy and optimism amidst abject squalour, Marc-Henri Wajnberg's film builds to a rousing climax that pulses with youthful abandon.

Enter at bcparent.ca 16 bcparent.ca • fall 2012

Contest ends September 26th

fall activity guide academic Academic Advantage Tutoring 604/439-1790 www.schooliseasy.com Achieve Learning Centres 604/336-0616 info@achievelearningcentres.ca www.achievelearningcentres.ca Achieve Learning Centres’ focus is to provide the highest quality academic and social skills support for our students by using a variety of proven methodologies, such as the OrtonGillingham approach. Every lesson is custom designed to fit your child’s unique learning styles and needs. Email or call for more information.

ADNC Neurofeedback Centre of BC 604/730-9600 www.neurofeedbackclinic.ca Canada’s Best Independent Schools—Our Kids Go To School www.ourkids.net

Googol Learning 604/720-9377 www.googolpower.com

MPM Math 604/266-6762 www.mpmmath.com

The Whole Dyslexic Society 604/921-1084 www.dyslexiacanada.com

Ho Math and Chess Learning Centre 604/263-4321 www.mathandchess.com

PD Plus Tutoring Service 604/421-6101 www.pdplustutors.com

dance

Language Tutors 604/338-9598 www.languagedesigns.ca

The Reading Foundation 604/222-2254 www.readingfoundation.com

Mathletics 1-877/467-6851 www.mathletics.ca Mathletics is the global benchmark for helping students to achieve outstanding results in math. Teachers and parents use Mathletics to create personal learning pathways for their students/ children. With provincially aligned curriculum and tons of resources, Mathletics is engaging for students and assists teachers/parents to monitor student progress.

Mimic Baby Sign Language www.mimicbaby.com

Silbury Education and Resource Centre 604/261-4696 www.silbury.ca Full and part time education for gifted and creative learners K–8.

Sylvan Learning 800/EDUCATE www.educate.com TOC Education Resources 604/603-7017 www.toceducationresources.com Chinese language and culture program for 3 years to adult.

A-Star Performing & Fine Arts Studio 604/266-3053, Vancouver www.astarstudio.com Al Mozaico Flamenco Dance Academy 604/671-9182, Vancouver www.mozaicoflamenco.com Anna Wyman School of Dance Arts 604/926-6535, West Vancouver AUUC School of Dance 604/254-3436 danceschool@auucvancouver.ca www.auucvancouver.ca Experience for yourself the joy and artistry of Ukrainian dance! Quality folk and ballet instruction for 3 to 15 year olds. 85 years of arts programs reflecting a modern multicultural experience. Call or email us for more info.

bcparent.ca • fall 2012 17

fall activity guide The Arts Connection 604/241-0141, Richmond www.theartsconnection.ca Arts Umbrella 604/681-5268 www.artsumbrella.com The BrightStars Program 604/662-8554, Vancouver www.brightstars.ca Vancouver’s only professional Performing Arts program for young children ages 1–13. Dance, sing and act to the melody of life. Classes run year round.

Dance Co 604/736-3394, Vancouver www.danceco.com info@danceco.com Dance Co provides unparalleled dance training for all ages and levels.

Providing technique and performance while developing confidence and creativity. Programs start throughout the year, for more information visit our website: danceco.com Dance Expressions 604/574-2277, Surrey www.dancexp.com Douglas Ballet Academy 604/420-0204, Vancouver www.douglasballet.homestead.com Academy of International Dance Arts 604/327-9313 www.academyofinternationaldance arts.com Gabriela’s Movement Studio 604/272-0607 www.movementstudio.ca gabriela@movementstudio.ca Goh Ballet Academy 604/872-4014 info@gohballet.com; www.gohballet.com Training institute of provincial champions in the Junior, Intermediate & Senior levels as well as International Gold Medal Award Recipients. Well balanced curriculum, RAD examinations & extensive performance opportunities. hz Ballet Classique 604/299-9698, Burnaby www.balletclassique.com

Just for Kicks School of Dance 604/596-4161, Surrey North Shore Academy of Dance 604/987-3814 Northwest Academy of Performing Arts 604/306-7390 www.NAPAdance.com Pacific Dance Arts 604/738-8575 www.pacificdancearts.ca Place des Arts Centre & Music Shool 604/664-1636, Coquitlam www.placedesarts.ca Place des Arts provides high quality arts education for all ages and abilities.

Over 40 music teachers offer private lessons in a wide range of instruments.

Ongoing lessons in music and dance run Sep to Jun; session classes in music, dance, theatre, visual and literary art run fall, winter and spring. www.placedesarts.ca Port Moody School of Dance 604/936-0966 www.portmoodydance.com Spotlight Dance Centre 604/299-6111, Vancouver Surrey Dance Centre 604/599-9961 www.surreydancecentre.com The Landing Dance Centre 604/325-8653 www.thelandingdance.com The Landing Dance Centre is a vibrant facility focused on establishing and fostering a love for dance. It is the perfect place to introduce young ones to dance, take their training to the next level, or just have fun!

Tri-City Dance Centre 604/523-6868, Coquitlam www.tricitydance.com Unhinge Dance 778/833-3914 www.unhingedance.ca unhingedance@hotmail.com Vancouver Tap Dance Society 604/253-0293 www.vantapdance.bc.ca

Vancouver Academy of Dance 604/231-8293 www.vancouverdance.com Vancouver Academy of Dance offers summer dance camps in ballet, jazz/lyrical, tap, hip hop, acrobatics, ballroom and Chinese Dance at their main location in Richmond.

Westside Dance Centre Ltd 604/736-1000 www.westsidedance.ca We offer great classes in Tap, Jazz, Ballet and Hip hop for kids as young as 3 years old, right up to adults.

specialty

climate change in the north, and immerse your senses in Western Canada’s only 4-D Experience theatre.

Plus, get a personal experience with your favourite animals in our Animal Encounters program.

Viva Voce Speech Arts Studio 778/323-2448 www.vivavocespeech.com Viva Voce’s highly personalized program builds your child’s confidence in speaking and presenting through oneto-one Speech Arts Classes. Children and teens discover the joy of using their voices and engaging an audience.

Ages 5–18, West Vancouver.

Bricks 4 Kidz 778/822-5672 www.bricks4kidz.com/vancouver Bricks 4 Kidz® provides programs that inspire kids to learn about architecture, engineering and design concepts while having fun building with LEGO® bricks. Ages 5–12.

music

Christianne’s Lyceum of Literature and Art 604/733-1356 www.chistiannehayward.com The Lyceum encourages young people to see themselves as readers, writers and artists as they engage with abstract ideas and reflect on their own place in society. Programs include: bookclubs, writers’ workshops, literature and art classes and holiday and summer camps.

The Arts Connection 604/241-0141, Richmond www.theartsconnection.ca

The Dizzy Whisk – Cooking Classes for Kids 778/998-3530 www.dizzywhisk.com

Allegro Music School Inc. 604/327-7765, Vancouver Arbutus Music Academy 604/736-8767 www.arbutusmusicacademy.com

BC Conservatory of Music 604/299-2984 Burnaby www.bcmusic.ca BC Registered Music Teachers Assn.

604/733-5531 The BrightStars Program 604/662-8554, Vancouver www.brightstars.ca Learning life long skills through the study of dance styles, music and movement. Classes range from 2 to 5 yrs.

Campos Music 604/325-0480

Kimiko’s Japanese Kitchen 604/727-5331 www.kimikoskitchen.com Vancouver Aquarium 604/659-FISH www.visitvanaqua.org From the Arctic to the Amazon, 135,000 amazing creatures await you at the Vancouver Aquarium, including Beluga whales, Sea otters, sharks and dolphins. Visit our brand new interactive ‘Canada’s Arctic’ gallery exploring

Carillon Music 604/591-1161 www.carillonmusic.com Clavimusic Piano Studios 778/881-0329 www.clavimusic.com Colourstrings Music Studio 604/730-5418, Vancouver www.colourstringsvan.com

FUN IN PRESENTING, CONFIDENCE IN SPEAKING, SKILLS FOR LIFE K-12 Private Speech Arts Classes

Call For Information 778-323-2448 West Vancouver www.vivavocespeech.com

18 bcparent.ca • fall 2012

fall activity guide

F FALL ALL MUL MULTI-SPORT LTI-SPOR T T PROGRAMS REGISTER ONLINE NOW

Sportball Junior (16-24 mos) | Parent & Child/Me & My Dad (2-5 yrs) | Multi-Sport (ages 3-10 yrs) Soccer (ages 2-8 yrs) | Sport-Specific Instrution (3-10 yrs) | Birthday Parties (2-10 yrs)

WWW.SPORTBALL.CA W WW.SPORTBALL.CA 6 04.688.3157 | V 604.688.3157 VANCOUVER@SPORTBALL.CA ANCOUVER@SPORTBALL.CA

bcparent.ca • fall 2012 19

fall activity guide Delta Community Music School 604/946-1280, Delta Dominanta Music School 604/767-0949, Burnaby www.dominanta.ca Quality private lessons with experienced instructors for all levels and ages: piano, guitar, violin, flute, voice and more! RCM preparation, preschool music (group), special programs throughout the year.

Douglas College Community Music School 604/527-5469 www.douglascollege.ca/cms We have been providing music training to New Westminster and surrounding communities since 1984. We offer programs for babies, children, youths, and adults. Children’s programs include Suzuki Strings and Piano, Kodaly / Orff and Kid’s Theory classes, Kindermusik classes, private and group lessons on most instruments, and Summer Camps for all ages.

Jean Lyons School of Music 604/734-4019 www.jeanlyonsmusic.com Jumpstart Music & Movement 604/777-7179 www.jumpstartmusicandmovement.com

Langley Community Music School 604/534-2848 www.langleymusic.com A non-profit organization committed to providing the highest quality of music education to people of all ages.

Long & McQuade Music Education Centres Vancouver 604/682-5215 North Vancouver 604/986-3118 Langley 604/532-8806 Surrey 604/588-9423 Port Coquitlam 604/464-1118 www. long-mcquade.com Long & McQuade’s Lesson Centres – comfortable studios, qualified instructors, low rates, no registration fees, and lessons for every age, level and style.

Guitar, piano, bass, drums, brass, woodwinds, orchestral strings & voice.

Visit long-mcquade.com for the Lower Mainland location near you.

Music for Young Children 800/828-4334 www.myc.com Music for Young Children provides a comprehensive music program that integrates keyboard, singing, ear training, sight reading, creative movement, rhythm, music theory and music composition for children age 3–11.

Music Teachers on the Go 778/882-7603 info@musicteachersonthego.com www.musicteachersonthego.com

Prussin Music 604/736-3036 www.prussinmusic.com Prussin Music has been serving families since 1985. We offer instrument sales, rentals, repairs & lessons. Our teachers are enthusiastic and active in Vancouver’s musical community. We have lessons for all levels and all ages including summer camps and Suzuki classes.

North Shore Music Academy 604/925-3403, North Vancouver Noteworthy Music 604/270-3620, Richmond O Music Studios 604/321-1551 www.omusicstudios.com Oakridge Music Studio 604/321-1551 www.omusicstudios.com

Richmond CommunityMusic School 604/272-5227, Richmond www.richmondmusicschool.ca

Pacific Academy for Music 604/944-0336, Port Coquitlam www.musicinstructor.net

School of Music and Dance 604/951-3725, Surrey

Pacific Piano Studio 604/329-7290 Place des Arts Art Centre & Music School 604/664-1636 www.placedesarts.ca Place des Arts provides high quality arts education for all ages and abilities.

Over 40 music teachers offer private lessons in a wide range of instruments.

Ongoing lessons in music and dance run Sep to Jun; session classes in music, dance, theatre, visual and literary art run fall, winter and spring.

Explore, express, create, be great! Place des Arts offers high quality programs in music, visual arts, dance and drama for all ages, skill levels and interests. www.placedesarts.ca

CELEBRATING 17 YEARS OF DANCE EXCELLENCE

Shadbolt Centre for the Arts 604/291-6864, Burnaby Staccato Music Studios 604/421-3753 www.staccatostudios.com Steveston Music Centre 604/271-3545, Steveston Tom Lee Music 604/685-8471, Vancouver www.tomleemusic.ca Vancouver Academy of Music 604/734-2301 www.vam.bc.ca Kodaly and Orff musicianship classes.

Suzuki violin, viola, piano, cello, and flute. Piano group class (ages 4–9).

Ballet (ages 31/2–18). RCM music his-

Locations in Vancouver and Richmond

Photo by: Darling Photography

2012-2013 DANCE PROGRAMS NOW ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS

s 0ROGRAMS FOR 0RESCHOOLERS TO !DULTS s "ALLET s *AZZ s (IP (OP s 4AP s -USICAL 4HEATRE s ,YRICAL s !CROBATICS s "REAKDANCIN s "ALLROOM s #HINESE $ANCE

Locations in Vancouver and Richmond

www.vancouverdance.com 20 bcparent.ca • fall 2012

fall activity guide tory and theory. Private instruction in piano, classical guitar, band and orchestral instruments.

The Violin ABC’s 778/896-5729 www.violin-abc.com

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra School of Music 604/915-9300 www.vsoschoolofmusic.ca Vancouver’s exciting new VSO School of Music offers lessons on all instruments, classes to play and create with others, innovative early childhood programs (for 3 months+), and casual adult classes.

Flexible, affordable options and VSO ticket discounts encourage the whole family.

Western Conservatory of Music 604/530-0317, White Rock

performing & visual arts The Arts Connection 604/241-0141, Richmond www.theartsconnection.ca Arts Umbrella 604/681-5268 www.artsumbrella.com

Artspace Children’s Arts Centre www.artspaceforchildren.com Bard on the Beach www.bardonthebeach.org/ about-bard-education Our Young Shakespeareans workshops deliver an interactive funfilled theatrical adventure.

Professional actors lead dynamic workshops on the Bard stages during the summer.

Carousel Theatre for Young People 604/669-3410 www.carouseltheatre.ca

Give your child a life-long love of music at Vancouver’s exciting new Music School

Have BC Parent Newsmagazine delivered directly to your inbox.

Visit bcparent.ca to subscribe.

Visit www.bcparent.ca Read our new blogs… catch up on past issues… enter our contests and find out about great family events in the Lower Mainland.

• Innovative Early Childhood classes, for ages 3 months – 6 years • One-to-one and group instruction with members of the acclaimed Vancouver Symphony • Specially-designed, engaging classes for children, including Suzuki Strings • Exclusive classes with VSO guest artists and discounts to VSO concerts • Unique classes for adults • Affordable, flexible enrollment and payment plans • Convenient parking and state-of-the art facility

Register Online Now! Classes and lessons begin SEPTEMBER 10th.

Visit our state-of-the art facility in downtown Vancouver, next to the Orpheum Theatre

www.vsoschoolofmusic.ca 604.915.9300 bcparent.ca • fall 2012 21

fall activity guide CircusWest 604/252-3679 www.circuswest.com E.J.S. School of Fine Arts 604/596-4883 Gateway Theatre 604/247-4975 www.gatewaytheatre.com In-Studio Art Classes/ Marta Roberson Smyth 604/254-0961 www.martademaria.com Mentoring children from six to sixteen with personalised instruction in small groups.

JCC Performing Arts School 604/257-5111, Vancouver Kids Only Acting Classes 778/378-9103 www.kidsonlyacting.com Performing & Fine Arts Studio 604/266-3053, N. Vancouver Place des Arts 604/664-1636 www.placedesarts.ca With small classes, quality instruction and a welcoming environment, Place des Arts Art Centre and Music School offers arts education in a variety of disciplines for all ages and abilities.

Rainbow Art School Ltd. 604/733-9524 rainbowartschool@gmail.com Shadbolt Centre for the Arts 604/291-6864, Burnaby StageCoach Theatre Arts Schools 1-877-78-STAGE (78243) www.stagecoachschools.ca Sing, Dance, Act! For 4–18 yr olds.

The world’s largest part-time theatre school network, with over 700 locations worldwide in 10 countries! We offer classes in Singing, Dancing and Drama every weekend alongside the school term as well as week long summer camps. Schools locations throughout the Lower Mainland; Vancouver Eastside/ Westside, Richmond, Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, Victoria.

StageCraft Theatre School 604/267-SCTS (7287) www.stagecraft.ca info@stagecraft.ca Need some ‘Glee’ in your life? Come to StageCraft Theatre School and let your talent shine!! Intensive yet fun training in drama, singing and dance for students ages 4–14, various locations.

Surrey Art Gallery 604/501-5566 Vancouver Film School 604/685-5808 Vancouver Youth Theatre 604/877-0678 www.vyt.ca

sports Aquaventures Swim Centre 604/736-SWIM www.aquaventuresswim.com Award-winning program in tropical warm water.

Jump! Gymnastics 604/568-9690 www.jumpgymnastics.ca Kids in Motion 604/970-7945 www.kids-inmotion.ca Langley Gymnastics Foundation 604/532-1022 www.langleygymnastics.org The Little Gym of Langley 604/539-2543 www.thelittlegym.com Marina’s Swim School 604/818-4650 www.marinaswimschool.com Marina’s Swim School is offering swim lessons for kids and adults of all ages and abilities. We have the unique style and methods, semiprivate teaching environment, tropical warm water.

Maynard’s Pony Meadows 604/261-1295

Atlantis Programs 604/874-6464, Vancouver www.atlantisprograms.com

Midnight Cheer Athletics 604/263-6436 Vancouver www.midnightcheer.com

Cliffhanger 604/874-2400, Vancouver 604/526-2402, Coquitlam www.cliffhangerclimbing.com

North Shore Equestrian Centre 604/988-5131 www.wecreateriders.com

Club Aviva 604/526-4464, Coquitlam www.clubaviva.citysoup.ca Dynamo Swim Club 778/866-6604 www.dynamoswimclub.net The Edge Climbing Centre 604/984-9080 www.edgeclimbing.com Elite Tennis Academy www.elitetennisacademy.ca 604/273-7366 ext 227 Would you like to improve your child’s hand eye coordination, motor skills, and balance? We are one of the top tennis training facilities in all of Canada. Our tennis programs are for all ages and levels.

popular sports: soccer, hockey, football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, tennis and golf. Sportball offers weekly programs, outdoor soccer, camps during school holidays, and birthday parties.

Come try a free trial class! See our website for a location near you.

Quantum Gymnastics Centre 604/465-9293, Maple Ridge www.quantumgym.com

Twin Rivers Equestrian Centre 604/574-5481 www.twinriversequestrian.com Twin Rivers is a great place for campers to improve their riding skills and learn all about horses in an indoor riding facility. We invite campers of all different levels of ability. For further details and registration forms see our website.

RBL Basketball 604/269-0221 or 604/253-5295 www.RBLBasketball.ca Instructional programs, leagues, holiday camps for boys and girls from Kindergarten to Grade 10.

Richmond Gymnastics Association 604/278-3614 www.richmond gymnastics.com

UBC Gymnastics 604/822-0207

Sportball 604/688-3157 www.sportball.ca Sportball is a non-competitive sports program for children 16 months to 12 years. Children are introduced to eight

Vancouver Phoenix Gymnastics 604/737-7693 www.phoenixgymnastics.com White Rock Gymnastics 604/542-0386 www.whiterockgymnastics.com

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A 4-concert series for children up to five years of age featuring professional educators and musicians Let Your Music Shine! with Lisa & Linda, in their own musical presentations for kids. &2)$!93 s 0,!9(/53% 4(%!42% Vancouver s !- s !3!452$!93 s 4%229 &/8 4(%!42% Port Coquitlam !- s !-

/#4 n0,!9(/53% 4(%!42% 1 /#4 n4%229 &/8 4(%!42% () ,/ ")' 4/0 #)2#53 $%# n0,!9(/53% 4(%!42% 2 $%# n4%229 &/8 4(%!42% (/,)$!9 (//2!9 -!2 n0,!9(/53% 4(%!42% 3 -!2 n4%229 &/8 4(%!42% '!,,/0 '/ -!9 n0,!9(/53% 4(%!42% 4 -!9 n4%229 &/8 4(%!42% -53)#!, :// &/2 -% !.$ 9/5 LISA ALLISON & LINDA SEBENIUS www.letyourmusicshine.com

subscribe now at vancouversymphony.ca or call 604.876.3434

MEDIA PARTNER

PREMIER EDUCATION PARTNER

Let your child’s dental visit be a positive experience.

Prevention and maintenance of good oral health is our focus.

LITTLE SMILES DENTAL CENTRE Dr. Jong Hyun Ban DDS, FRCD(C)

Certified Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry 3770 West 10th Ave Vancouver, BC

www.thelittlesmiles.com

(604) 222-2206

bcparent.ca • fall 2012 23

The Sarah McLachlan School of Music (SoM) provides after-school music education, at no cost, to underserved and at risk children who face challenging cultural, social and economic circumstances.

SoM is founded on a belief in the enriching power of music and the importance of creative community.

We reach hundreds of young people every year (ages 7-17), providing them with a secure, nurturing and inspiring environment in which they can learn, practice, and connect with others. The Sarah McLachlan School of Music provides these students with the space and guidance they need to express themselves.

Music ignites their passion and energy, giving them confidence, motivation, perseverance, self-discipline, creative thinking and teamwork skills, all tool applicable to lifelong success.

To make a gift and impact the lives of young people, visit: www.sarahschoolofmusic.com or call: 604.709.4415 Director of Philanthropy: stephani@sarahschoolofmusic.com