In this episode, we delve into the integral and woven nature of assessment at The Owl’s Nest and discuss how we are digging deeper as a school and community to fully support students in learning for life and not just for the test. We explore the various types of assessments and their impact on student learning, as well as the underlying skills and opportunities that come with assessing student progress. Join us as we unpack the complexities of assessment and discover new ways to empower our students for success. Listen now to this thought-provoking and informative episode!

An intro to social emotional learning and self regulation as guided by our parent involvement sessions this month.

This episode digs into several experts quotes and videos on the value to having safe and supported exposure to challenging social situations, working through transitions and being aware of the necessity of resistance in separation. Having trusted role models and adults who understand the value to support are vital.

In this episode I share a story about our students making our playground and garden plans and the surprising and exciting reflections myself and other educators reflected on that we credit our rich loose parts play and nature connections for.

The language that we use matters. It guides, teaches, supports students but it could also confuse, mislead or invite behaviours or responses that are undesirable so it is important to align ourselves with practices that create a holistic and reflective learning environment.

Lately as students try to bond and make each other laugh there had been an emergence of foul language and testing boundaries. This is a normal occurrence and one that does require addressing. See how we address this through The Owl’s Nest lens.

Today we talk about anxieties parents have come to me about their kids being “behind”, not meeting standards and not learning conventionally. We go over the roots of these feelings, the realities and help shift mindsets and our thoughts on proof of learning. Edited to add some articles re: topics in the episode: https://www.google.ca/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/education/2016/sep/20/grammar-schools-play-europe-top-education-system-finland-daycare https://www.childrensmuseums.org/images/MCMResearchSummary.pdf https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/preschool/Pages/Helping-Your-Child-Learn-to-Read.aspx

“Scientists have discovered that it takes approximately 400 repetitions to create a new synapse in the brain unless it is done in play in which case it only takes 10-20 repetitions.” Karyn Purvis

A parent asks “how do I add tools to my toolbox to help navigate conversations about other children’s behaviour and the complexities of friendships” and I respond.