Bricker by Bricker - The Parents and Education Partnership: Recent Episodes
Jamie and Carol Bricker
Together, Jamie and Carol have over half a century of experience in education and in their podcast Bricker by Bricker, they share those experiences to support parents with building productive partnerships with their child's school.
This is the final episode in this four-year-old podcast series which has addressed many different aspects of the home/school partnership. In the series finale, Jamie and Carol highlight key messaging from some of their most memorable podcasts.
Many highly respected educators have stressed that the inevitable achievement gaps will have to be addressed upon the return to in-person learning. There needs to be a comprehensive plan that outlines a multi-year commitment to address these gaps. Such a plan will obviously require a significant financial commitment, but, such a commitment pales in comparison to the price all educational stakeholders have had to pay throughout the pandemic.
Digital literacy is all about having the ability to access, use, create and share information and content from a range of on-line sources. Today’s students are far more proficient at accessing this information, than actually analyzing its message. It is incumbent on both parents and teachers to teach children how to critically evaluate what they read, see and hear.
Financial literacy will allow our children to make sound decisions regarding money for the rest of their lives. In 2020, the Ontario government introduced the new financial literacy curriculum for students from grades 4–12. This document presents a wide range of important financial concepts to students, as well as provides parents with numerous resources to help guide their children to a better understanding of money matters.
In January, Jamie and Carol discussed how the pandemic has erected barriers which have made home/school communication difficult for parents. In this podcast, they continue this conversation, looking at some additional meeting frustrations that parents may encounter and provide strategies for working through those frustrations.
As we begin another new year, the pandemic continues to have a hold on our children’s school experiences. This disruption also has an impact on parents and their ability to communicate with their child’s teacher and school. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss some common meeting frustration that parents may experience and provide strategies for working through those frustrations.
As parents continue to establish and re-establish connections with their child’s school and teachers, it’s important to establish ongoing, and respectful communication between both parties. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss the whys and hows of communication and ways to support communication when a disconnection occurs.
It is well documented that a strong home-school partnership correlates to overall student success. This partnership, in many cases, was hindered by the pandemic and the transition of many students to virtual learning. As we move forward with the 2021-22 school year and the return to in-person learning, it is essential for families and educators to jointly re-ignite this connection between home and school.
On October 10th, we celebrate World Mental Health Day. As children are returning to school and countries are still trying to manage the pandemic, this day has never been more important. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss mental health, warning signs for parents to watch in their children, and also suggestions to promote a healthy mental state.
As another school year commences, it is more important than ever that families and students re-establish their connections with the school, their teachers and classmates. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss the importance of these connections and the vital role extra-curricular activities play in a child’s physical, social and emotional well-being.
It’s the beginning of August and a time when parents begin to plan for their child’s return to school. As families and educators await the Ontario government’s school plan, Jamie and Carol focus on the home/school partnership and what both parties can do to make this year’s return to learning successful for everyone.
Another school year has come to a close however, this year, the closure was very different for many students and families. As they move into the summer, families need to take an opportunity to focus on each other. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss the many ways families can reduce their stress and recharge their batteries.
This past school year has been tumultuous for parents, children and all educational stakeholders. Now the end of the school year is here and the decision has been made to keep Ontario schools closed in June. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss the different aspects of this decision and the effect it has on families.
This past school year has been very disruptive for students, parents and educational staff and many parents are frustrated with the interruptions to their children’s learning. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss what is learning and suggest ways families can use the International Days of Celebration (May) to enhance their children’s learning.
Ontario implemented a new Math curriculum this past fall with a focus on improving math scores for students, providing opportunities for students to solve every day math problems and increasing students’ employability for jobs of the future. Today, Jamie and Carol are joined by Jordan Rappaport, Regional Math Facilitator with the York District School Board. Jordan provides insights into this new curriculum in order to assist parents with developing a better understanding of the changes and how they impacts their children.
Many of us remember reading Dr. Seuss as children and March 2nd is Dr. Seuss Day. So, it’s a great time to celebrate a timeless author and discuss how reading Dr. Seuss can help develop a child’s early literacy skills. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol identify and discuss these early skills, as well as, reference various Dr. Seuss books that help to reinforce these essential reading skills. (Materials referenced in this podcast do not include those which have recently been removed for biased content.)
The pandemic has highlighted many inequities and disconnects within education but it has also provided Ministries of Education with some valuable lessons. Some of the changes that have occurred in education over the last 11 months will have a lasting impact. Today, Jamie and Carol discuss these issues and how they will become permanent practices.
Family Literacy Day is coming up on January 27th and is a great opportunity for families to celebrate literacy in their homes. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss the importance of literacy, what literacy looks like in the 21st century and provide some practical suggestions to create a rich, literate home environment.
2020 was quite a year for families and the impact the pandemic had on our children’s education has been concerning for many. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol look back at 2020 to discuss what they have learned from this experience and also their hopes for 2021.
At the beginning of December, Jamie and Carol were joined by Addiction Therapist and children’s author, Joshua Andrus to discuss how children have been using technology during this pandemic. In today’s podcast, they continue their discussion about technology addiction and look at suggestions for parents to foster their family’s connection.
Throughout this pandemic, children have turned to technology for their learning, their recreation and their social interactions. They are spending more time than ever on technology and what impact is this having on their development? In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol are joined by Addiction Therapist and children’s author, Joshua Andrus as they discuss technology addiction and the messages for families in his series of children’s books.
As the cold weather becomes a reality, we are seeing an increasing number of Covid cases and positivity rates. What impact is this having on our schools and the safety of all stakeholders? In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss this impact and the effect restrictions place on everyone’s mental health.
We are almost a quarter of the way through the 20-21 school year and many changes and disruptions have occurred for our children’s learning. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol look back over the past two months and discuss what has taken place for students in both the in-person and virtual learning settings.
In their last podcast, Jamie and Carol were joined by special guest, Heather Murray. Heather is a parent of 4 children and in this podcast, Heather continues to discuss the challenges of returning to school this fall both virtually and in person.
A month has passed since students began their return to school whether it was in person or virtually. To share insights from a parent’s perspective, Heather Murray joins Jamie and Carol to discuss the successes and challenges of schooling from home in March and also the process her family went through to make their decision about returning to school this September.
As we return to school this fall, families have had to make challenging decisions about returning to school in person or returning virtually. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol continue their conversation with Education Specialist, Michael McKnight as they discussion strategies for parents to support their children’s resiliency during these unsettling times.
There is no question that this pandemic has had a major impact on people’s physical and mental health and returning to school is just another stressor for many parents and families. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol are joined by Education Specialist Michael McKnight. Michael has had extensive experience working with students who are behaviourally and emotionally at risk and he shares his knowledge about resiliency as we support parents and families through their return to school.
Recently, guidelines for the return to school in Ontario have been presented by the government. These guidelines provide stringent cleaning measures, social distancing recommendations, screening procedures and steps for contact tracing. However, it is the size of the cohorts that have many parents up in arms. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol are once again joined by retired principal, Jack Barclay to discuss the guidelines as parents face the decision whether or not to return to school.
As we begin our last month before students return to school, many parents are anxious about what this school year will look like and the safety measures that will be put in place to protect their children. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol are joined by retired elementary principal, Jack Barclay as they discuss the recommendations of medical professionals, the safety measures that should be in place and suggestions for families to assist preparing their children for back to school in 2020.
Continuing their virtual tour of Canada and the wonderful authentic learning opportunities families can share, Jamie and Carol explore Quebec, the Maritimes and Newfoundland. Join them as they discuss the many sites and attractions these provinces have to offer and the learning that can happen along the way.
There are lots of learning opportunities for families to celebrate over the course of the summer months as they travel to various regions in our country and beyond. And, this summer, what better way to travel than through a virtual tour. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol take you on a tour of Canada’s Territories and Western Provinces, celebrating the diversity of our magnificent country and the wonderful authentic learning opportunities along the way.
Summer time is a great opportunity for families to explore our wonderful country, whether it be through camping, hiking, boating, trips to the trailer or longer travel vacations. However, this summer, many families will be deciding to stay at home. Join Jamie and Carol as they take you on a virtual trip along Ontario’s waterways and celebrate the authentic learning opportunities along the way.
For many families, virtual learning has been a challenge to say the least! Parents have been juggling their own work commitments and family commitments, the availability of devices, and trying to find space in the home to meet everyone’s needs. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol suggest parents prioritize family well-being and resiliency and focus on authentic learning opportunities. As we move into the summer months, they also discuss ways to bring the learning outdoors.
Jamie and Carol continue their discussion about Project Based Learning with Instructional Methods Advisor, Heather Buskirk. In this episode, they look at how Project Based Learning is approached and assessed in the classroom and how parents can support their child’s learning.
Project-based learning (PBL) is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extending period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging and complex question or problem. During this pandemic, project-based learning may be one approach that parents use to enhance their child’s learning. In today’s podcast, Heather Buskirk, an Instructional Methods Advisor, joins Jamie and Carol to discuss the concepts of PBL.
For many students, their learning at home experience is now being supported online by their classroom teacher(s). However, what can families continue to do to supplement this learning? In this podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss a variety of math skills that families can embed into their daily routines, as well as, look at dice, cards and board games that can enhance a child’s math skills.
During this unprecedented time, parents are feeling the pressure to provide for their children’s educational needs. In this podcast, Jamie and Carol will address some of the anxieties parents are feeling and provide strategies and suggestions to make Learning at Home a positive, productive experience for all parties.
In the previous episode, Trevor MacKenzie, educator, author, international speaker and consultant for Inquiry Learning, joined Jamie and Carol to discuss Inquiry Learning and the positive impact it has for students. In this episode, they continue the conversation with a focus on assessment and how this process has changed. Using conferencing and feedback, students gain a better understanding of their progress and are able to set goals for continued growth.
Supporting parents with gaining a deeper understanding of current educational pedagogy has been the focus of this year’s podcasts. In this episode, Trevor MacKenzie joins Jamie and Carol from Victoria, B.C., Canada. Trevor is an educator, author of two book and an international speaker and consultant for Inquiry Learning. Trevor shares his wealth of knowledge and experience as he broadens our understanding of Inquiry Learning.
When we look at our children’s report cards, we often focus primarily on the grades they receive. However, Jamie and Carol advocate for the importance of a child’s learning skills or his/her executive functioning skills. In this podcast, they explain what are executive functioning skills, the importance of nurturing these skills, as well as, some suggestions for supporting your child’s development.
Continuing their conversation about current teaching practices and inquiry learning, Jamie and Carol focus today’s discussion on Play Based Learning for younger students and Project Based Learning for older students. They look at how both of these teaching methods are implemented in the classroom and how teachers assess students’ thinking, understanding and the application and analysis of their learning.
In today’s classrooms, students play a significant role in the learning process. They are encouraged to explore material, ask questions and share ideas. Join Jamie and Carol as they provide an overview of inquiry-based learning and discuss ways for parents to create a rich home environment that strengthens their children’s curiosities and questioning skills.
As we enter a new year and new decade, there are many uncertainties for parents, students and educators. Our educational system needs to evolve to meet the needs of our students both today and in the future. In their first podcast of 2020, Jamie and Carol begin their discussion about the evolution of educational practices by talking about the move from the Socratic method of teaching/learning to co-operative learning. Join future podcasts as the discussion continues to address the variety of current instructional methods.
As we come to the end of 2019 and get ready for a new decade, Jamie and Carol share their wish list for education. Wish list items include: school safety, programming and equity, school attendance, home/school partnerships and a prosperous 2020.
Report cards have been sent home and parents have participated in the annual Parent Teacher Interview but what does all this information really mean? In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss traditional methods of evaluation, current practices found in today’s classroom and also, where we need to go moving forward as we progress through the 21st century.
It’s time once again for the annual Parent-Teacher interview and knowing how to
optimize this time with your child’s classroom teacher is paramount. In today’s
podcast, Jamie and Carol provide parents with tips to best utilize their interview
time and make suggestions about the types of questions parents could ask to gain
a comprehensive understanding of their child’s academic journey.
Last May, Jamie and Carol discussed the changes being proposed to Ontario’s Math Curriculum and the government’s initiative to go “Back to the Basics”. In this episode, Jamie and Carol continue their discussion about math focusing on recommendations from research and suggestions for parents to support their children’s math development.
As families work to once again balance school, work and family times, the inclusion of homework can be a daunting task. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss the pros and cons of homework and why parents are seeing their children bringing home less work than they did when they were children.
The week of October 7 – 11 is Media Literacy Week in Canada and the theme this year is Break the Fake. To highlight Media Literacy Week, Jamie and Carol define media and media literacy and discuss why it is essential for everyone to look at media with a critical eye. Website links and tips for parents to foster their child’s critical thinking and media literacy are provided.
Parent involvement is an essential aspect of a child’s involvement in and success at school and a parent’s involvement is affected by his/her parenting style. In this episode, Jamie and Carol discuss four different parenting styles and the effect each has on a child’s development, self-esteem, self-confidence and academic success.
In this second, of two-part series, Speech and Language Pathologist, Amanda
Frumkin joins Jamie and Carol for continued discussion about language
development. In this episode, Amanda talks about developmental milestones and
articulation, providing parents with helpful tips to support their child’s acquisition
of language.
Oral language is the basis for all future learning and parents play a vital role in
developing their child’s oral language skills. In today’s episode - the first of a two
part series - Speech and Language Pathologist, Amanda Frumkin joins Jamie and
Carol to discuss the role of a Speech and Language Pathologist and to provide
some tips for parents to encourage their child’s oral language development.
The beginning of August is here and in Ontario, the start of the school year is just
four weeks away. It’s time for families to be thinking about the new school year
and encouraging their children to participate in extra-curricular activities. In this
episode, Jamie and Carol compare school teams to community teams and discuss
the many ways children can become involved in a variety of school clubs, sports
and activities.
Parents and children are settling into new summer routines and schedules and it’s important to ensure everyone’s safety during these fun times. In today’s episode, Jamie and Carol discuss safe use of social media, water and biking safety, as well as, the importance of children participating in household chores.
Canada is celebrating its 152nd anniversary! There have been a lot of changes over
the years and our education system is no different. So, Jamie and Carol celebrate
Canada Day by recapping what has happened in those 152 years to make our
education system what it is today!
The school year is coming to an end, but there is certainly no end to fun and
stimulating learning opportunities. Lots of great experiences can be generated by
staycations, but even more new learning awaits children as they hit the open road
for camping, cottaging or extended travelling. In this podcast, Jamie and Carol
share some ideas for low-cost high-interest activities that will engage young
travelers, and teach them what a true “road” scholarship is all about!
We are now moving into the final month of school and we want to ensure that
the momentum that was established at the beginning of the year carries through
to the end. In this episode of Bricker by Bricker, Jamie and Carol discuss some
timely items that parents should consider during this last month of school.
We all know the adages about getting a good night sleep, starting the day with a healthy breakfast and that physical activity is good for your health. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss the affect sleep, nutrition and physical activity have on your child’s school success and ways to support these healthy lifelong habits.
Many changes are coming to Ontario’s Education system: class size, curriculum content and the availability of technology. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss the proposed changes to the Math Curriculum, as Ontario’s focus transitions to Math Fundamentals or Back to the Basics. How will these changes impact Ontario students over the next few years?
In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss EQAO through the students and school lenses. From the students’ perspective, topics include the types of questions they will encounter, the accommodations in place to support students who have an individual education plan, and tips for families to assist their children both prior to and during the assessment period. From the school’s perspective, they share how schools prepare for this standardized testing and the profound impact EQAO has had on current classroom instruction and assessment.
Standardized testing or EQAO as it is more commonly known in Ontario, has been around for almost 25 years. Many changes have occurred over that time period as the assessment has evolved to better meet the needs of students, parents, schools and school boards.
In today’s podcast, Melissa Sparkman, an elementary school administrator, who has had many years of experience implementing and supporting students, parents and teachers through the assessment process, joins Jamie and Carol as they provide parents with information about EQAO from a provincial prospective.
There is no doubt that a parent’s attitude towards school has a huge impact on his/her child’s attitude towards school. Over time, these attitudes, of both parent and child, create Mindsets that then have a tremendous impact on the child’s enjoyment of, and success at, school. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol differentiate Growth and Fixed Mindsets and discuss ways for parents to foster a Growth Mindset for their children.
Knowing and understanding how children learn is an essential component of a teacher’s skill set in today’s classroom. In this podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss the characteristics of the various learning styles, or multiple intelligences, and provide practical tips so that parents can best support their children’s learning.
Despite having established a positive relationship with your child’s school, situations may arise that result in a disagreement or disconnect with the school administration and/or your child’s teacher. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol discuss how you should share your concerns in a manner that will lead to a satisfactory resolution of the issue, as well as strengthen your home-school partnership moving forward.
No child can be expected to produce their best academic results, if they are feeling anxious and afraid before, during, or after school. In today’s podcast, elementary school administrator, Jack Barclay, shares some key insights that help establish and maintain a safe and nurturing school environment.
Technology is always evolving and how it is being used in the classroom to support student learning has also changed over the years. Becky Kuruliak, an Assistive Technology Facilitator, joins Jamie and Carol as they look at technology to discuss its educational uses, as well as strategies for families to support their children at home.
We are almost a quarter of the way through the 21st century and the development of the 4 Cs – Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Communication and Creativity is becoming increasingly important for today’s learners. Join Jamie and Carol as they discuss the importance of each of these skills, and provide insights into how schools and families can support their children in developing these 4 Cs.
Most of your child’s instructional time is spent in his/her classroom. In today’s podcast, Jamie and Carol take you Beyond the Classroom to the Learning Commons, previously known as the School Library. Guest podcaster and Teacher-Librarian, Allison Davis joins Jamie and Carol to discuss the role of the Teacher-Librarian and the many functions of the Learning Commons. Allison also provides practical suggestions for families to keep their children engaged over the holidays.
Gender identity has played a significant role in how boys and girls view their competence and confidence in various classroom activities and academic subjects. Parents play an essential role in establishing positive gender identity for their children, which will impact both their academic choices and future career options. Jamie and Carol look at ways parents can support their children in developing healthy, positive gender identities which will open doors to the future.
It’s time again for parent/teacher interviews and it’s essential that this is a positive and productive experience for all. Jamie and Carol, along with Grade 6 teacher Stefanie Waters, discuss what parents should expect from the interview, provide parents with preparation tips, and makes suggestions for productive next steps.
Today’s teachers are using a variety of assessment methods and tools to determine students’ strengths and needs, to guide next steps and to effectively close gaps in learning. Kim Sullivan, a Grade 3 teacher, joins Jamie and Carol to look at these assessment tools and how they support the teacher with programming decisions to better meet the needs of their students.
Today’s classroom looks and sounds a lot different than classrooms of previous generations. To help parents actively and effectively support their child’s learning at home, it is imperative for them to have a clear understanding of what occurs in the classroom on a daily basis. Recognizing that family life today can be very busy, Jamie and Carol provide practical suggestions that parents can weave into everyday activities.
Play is essential for developing the skills of the 21st century learner – skills that future employers value, such as; creativity, complex problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration. Together, Jamie and Carol discuss the value of play and ways that parents may incorporate it at home.
It’s the beginning of another school year and now is the time for parents to build those essential relationships between home and school. Join Jamie and Carol as they discuss ways for parents to be actively involved in their child’s educational journey.