Parents and Families
Encouraging School Readiness Skills in Preschoolers
The early years are a time when we can help children develop the tools they need to succeed before heading to formal K-12 schooling. Developing these school readiness skills help prepare children for optimal learning throughout their educational journey. This article takes a closer look at some of the school readiness skills that children can work on before they head off to kindergarten!Instructional Resource: Early Language Learning for Newcomer Mothers with Young Children
The Early Language Learning Curriculum (ELL) was originally designed for use with a HIPPY program for newcomer moms in BC, but can stand alone as a language class or be used to support conversation circles or tutoring. ELL covers 12 key settlement topics such as Knowing Your Community, Settlement and Community Services, Physical and Mental Health, Financial Literacy, and Canadian Parenting norms. Newcomers work toward informal skill-using tasks, build confidence, learn about key resources in the community, and break the cycle of isolation surrounding immigrants and refugees with low levels of English so they are more ready for structured LINC learning when their personal circumstances allow.3 Ways to Help Families and Staff Build Resilience During the COVID-19 Outbreak
The worldwide outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a source of unexpected stress and adversity for many people. Resilience can help us get through and overcome hardship, but it's not something we’re born with—it’s built over time. What can we do to help families and staff build up and strengthen resilience right now during the COVID-19 outbreak? And how can we build resilience to plan ahead for future times of crisis?
Wellness Together Canada: Mental Health and Substance Use Support
COVID-19 has placed a tremendous strain on individuals and families across the country. Many people are concerned about their physical and mental well being. Canadians are being challenged in a number of ways because of isolation, financial and employment uncertainty and disruptions to daily life. Wellness Together Canada provides tools and resources you can share with families to help, including modules for addressing low mood, worry, substance use, social isolation and relationship issues.
Multilingual video series: Parenting Through COVID-19
These are challenging times, for children, for parents, for teachers. For all of us. Roots of Empathy has developed a series of mental health and well-being videos designed for parents of elementary school children. The videos are available in 18 languages, including six Indigenous languages.
Multilingual Parenting Tips for Uncertain Times
In the coming weeks, many families will find the stresses of full time parenting and staying inside with children to be a significant challenge. Triple P- Positive Parenting Program has developed two resources to help. 10 Tips for Parenting in Uncertain Times is now available in Arabic, Dutch, English, German and Spanish. Parenting During COVID-19 is also available in English and French.
Have You Seen This List of Multilingual COVID-19 Resources?
Here is a helpful list of multi-language resources and factsheets on COVID-19 for you to share with the newcomer families in your program!
COVID-19 information sheets in multiple languages
Here's a helpful series of multilingual COVID-19 signs and posters for you to share, print and post.
Ideas for Parents: How to Keep Kids Happy, Busy & Learning if School is Closed
Widespread school closures have sent a ripple effect into parent communities as many scramble to find ways to smoothly transition into at-home life with kids. And the secret is a lot easier than you might think: develop a routine, and stick to it! Here are some ideas to share with parents, and free online learning for kids.