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Interesting Programs
Early Intervention with the Youngest Students is Important when it comes to BullyingThe Thames Valley District School Board is testing a pilot program this spring which is expected to be expanded to all elementary schools in the fall. The program called "Think, Talk, Walk" uses ventriloquism and puppets to teach pupils from junior kindergarten through Grade 1 about problems caused by bullying. The 20 minute presentation with puppet Oscar, is followed by a week of activities supporting the anti-bullying message. The Board started offering anti-violence programs to high school students years ago and now has programs for students in Grades 3 to 10. The object of "Think, Talk, Walk" is to help kids better understand the emotions and feelings of others. As reported by Hank Daniszewski "Kindergarten, Grade 1 join public school bullying blitz", London Free Press, April 18, 2001 For more information contact Susan Weinberg at OPSBA. Return to Policy and Program home page Violence Prevention - Respecting Our DifferencesA new pilot program is being introduced in April 2002 at the Thames Valley District School Board. The program is called, "Respecting Our Differences" and is for students in grades 2/3. It complements the concepts/skills which are introduced in the JK -1 "Think, Talk, Walk Program" (see above item "Early Intervention ...." The primary focus is on respecting cultural diversity. Students are engaged by a 20 minute puppet play which is conducted by a ventriloquist. The script explores a variety of issues related to diversity and respectful behaviour. Following the performance, teachers lead de-briefing sessions with their students. Lessons have been developed which complement the performance and meet a variety of the curriculum expectations. For more information contact Susan Weinberg at OPSBA. Return to Policy and Program home page A School that Minimizes Disability and Maximizes IntegrationA high school in Toronto has managed to cross the barrier of integration and accessible schools. Not only is the school one of the most wheelchair-friendly schools in the city, they also have innovative ideas, such as the running track where students in wheelchairs do laps next to joggers. A specially equipped resource room, wheelchair-accessible washrooms, ramps inside and out, a three-storey elevator and health-care assistants to help with special physical needs has made this school inclusive for physically disabled students. The vice-principal, who also uses a wheelchair, wants the school to reflect the real world where people in wheelchairs live as part of the community. He enjoys watching students intermingling in wheelchairs and on foot and feels the able-bodied students benefit by becoming more sensitive. As reported by Louise Brown, "Able school, able students", Toronto Star, February 19, 2001. For more information contact Susan Weinberg at OPSBA. Return to Policy and Program home page Having a Problem Getting Parents to Come to School for a Parents' Night?A high school principal was devastated when only two parents showed up for curriculum night. She got creative! Concerned about low math scores on recent tests and aware that she had to get parents involved if students were to improve, she designed a family-friendly curriculum night. After months of brainstorming with parents, teachers and school board consultants, she tried another parent night recently and this time the school gym was crammed. Math Mania night aimed at explaining the curriculum to parents. The evening was a huge success in developing a partnership between home and school. Parents are now urging her to throw more information nights but not the kind where they get lectured; they want more interactive programs. As reported by Louise Brown, "Creativity ups numbers at math night", Toronto Star, April 2, 2001. For more information contact Susan Weinberg at OPSBA. Return to Policy and Program home page Career Tool for YouthYouth Outlooks is an innovative career-planning kit designed to meet the needs of those aged 15 to 24. The kit contains a suite of products to explain national labour market information and trends, and how students can use that information to make better education and career choices. The Youth Outlooks kit is funded through the government's Youth Employment Strategy. If your high school does not receive a copy please contact Human Resources Development Canada's Youth Info Line at: 1-800-935-5555. For more information please visit the government of Canada's Youth Employment Information web site at www.youth.gc.ca Return to Policy and Program home page Roots of EmpathyTMThe Roots of EmpathyTM is a classroom parenting program that teaches human development and nurtures the growth of empathy and compassion. A baby and parent(s) visit a classroom; an instructor works with students before, during, and after each visit. Students' learn about parenting, about themselves, about how others feel, and teachers almost always learn something new about their students. The Roots of EmpathyTM is a non-profit organization that is universal in access but the program targets those at high risk. The program, in place in classrooms Kindergarten to Grade 8, has received wide spread interest from around the world. It is viewed as an asset to conflict resolution and reduces victimization, bullying and violence in schools. The program is socially inclusive, teaching understanding and respect of race, ability and diversity. It also complements the classroom curriculum incorporating math skills, problem solving, infant development, team building, teen pregnancy and infant safety. Schools in Ontario that have established programs have had excellent results. Visits to classrooms by the baby, its parent(s) and a Roots of EmpathyTM instructor are 35 minutes in length. The program provides schools with specialized curriculum for different grade levels, appropriate books and toys for the family visit, training, supervising visits and ongoing support through e-mail, newsletters and on-line connection for instructors. More information on the program can be found on The Roots of EmpathyTM website www.rootsofempathy.org |
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