Authored by University of Guelph student Megan Coghill Social distancing rules and the closure of many public parks and recreation areas has caused many of us to spend more time indoors than we would like. Especially with the warm weather and sunshine, it is important…
A Letter To My Son
By Heather Watts
You were born late on a cold November night. At that moment, I also experienced a rebirth of sorts. When you were first placed in my arms, I felt more weight than the 10 pounds 2 ounces announced by the nurse. I felt the weight of your safety; physical, emotional, spiritual, and the great honour bestowed upon me to guide you through life. The weight of responsibility was overwhelming. You watch my every move, listen to my every word, and observe every emotion. What traditions I decide to practice, what language I speak, my hobbies, how I deal with sorrow, how I express joy, are all going to shine through as ‘the way’ to be.
My mother’s daughter: The story of a student mother and her child
By Sauliha Alli
These past few months, as I worked on the planning team of the Redefining Traditional initiative, I have reflected a lot on an aspect of my positionality that I had largely neglected: my own experience as the child of a student parent.
The Redefining Traditional Backstory: How Design Thinkers Created a Virtual Community of Student Parents and Supporters During COVID-19
By Celeste Pang, Sauliha Alli, Sanja Ivanov and Heather Watts
Design thinkers at the Innovation Hub share the backstory of the Redefining Traditional virtual community of student parents and their supporters.
This month, Redefining Traditional: Making Higher Education Family Friendly’s virtual community of student parents and supporters across departments and institutions was launched.
Raising and Teaching Anti-Racist Kids
By OISE Library Staff
Originally published on the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education blog.
The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and Regis Korchinski-Paquet have brought much-needed attention to the racist policies and systems that harm Black people in the United States, Canada, and throughout the world. Many parents and educators are wondering how best to speak to children about race and racism, and how to educate for antiracism and for Black Lives. The University of Toronto Libraries and the OISE Library are here to help parents and teachers find the resources they need and to feel empowered as educators.
Professor Angela Pyle: 10 ways to teach kids through play at home
By Angela Pyle and Perry King
Originally published on the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education blog.
Angela Pyle is an assistant professor in OISE’s department of applied psychology and human development. Her research focuses on child development and the role of play in children’s learning. She currently runs the Play Learning Lab at the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study.
Sitting down with OISE News, Pyle lays out a list of great ways to engage children’s learning through play – a less stressful and productive way to support children’s learning.
Working and caring for kids while social distancing
By Amanda Cheung
Originally published on the University of Toronto’s Family Care Office Blog, Intersections.
Over the past few weeks, COVID-19 and calls for social distancing have rapidly changed the way we work. Many of us have gone from commuting to a busy office or campus every morning, to rolling out of bed and telecommuting in our pajamas. Your home might even feel crowded as you attempt to make space for your work life and your children’s education. To help with this transition, The Family Care Office has compiled a list of resources for parents who are adapting to working and studying from home while also caring for their children.
Developing healthy screen habits with your child
By Emily Pritchard
Originally published on the University of Toronto’s Family Care Office Blog, Intersections.
Digital screens have gained popularity in recent years and have become a fundamental part of our lives. Today’s children are one of the first generations to be raised in this new digital age, presenting parents with new issues to navigate.
Parents and kids: Get to know the CBC websites
By Emily Pritchard
Originally published on the University of Toronto’s Family Care Office Blog, Intersections.
Frequently featured in our blogs and social media posts, the CBC Parents website is an excellent resource for all things parenting. There are seven different sections to this website, which we will explore below.