Celebrating
education issue 2021 bcparent.ca
Years of Service to BC Families
Independent School Guide
2022
Parenting on the Spectrum
WINTER ACTIVITY GUIDE
Our 2022-2023 school year is fast approaching
OPEN HOUSES
Visit our website to register www.WestsideMontessoriAcademy.ca
⮕ ⮕
Elementary open house Dec. 2, 7-9 p.m.
Casa dei Bambini open house January 22, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
LOVE OF LEARNING starts here Westside Montessori Academy’s multi-teacher, supportive classrooms encourage our students to acquire the academic and social skills to become independent thinkers who develop an appreciation for the world around them • Casa dei Bambini, ages 3-5 • Kindergarten • Lower Elementary, grades 1-3 • Upper Elementary, grades 4-7 For information call:
604-434-9611
a space for children to grow and learn with independence and integrity
3075 Slocan St. Vancouver at the Italian Cultural Centre on Grandview
www.WestsideMontessoriAcademy.ca
2 bcparent.ca • education issue 2021
Celebrating
Letter from the Editor
Years of Service to BC Families
I
t’s that time of year and the rain is falling... hard. Have you hunkered down and got cozy on your couch yet? It’s that time of year, but luckily we will be entering the holiday season soon and that always brings cheer! In this issue, we’ve got some tips on how to get your child excited to read and “Hook a Book Lover”. We have also rounded up some great Carlie Parkinson resources for you if you’re looking for a preschool, elementary school, high school, or a tutor. We’ve tried to cover your child’s education needs from all angles. If you’re planning for the new year, we have some winter activity suggestions to consider, many of which will start registration in November. Finally, we have some tips to help you avoid or recover from burnout. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but we need to be easy on ourselves and show compassion so we can keep on trucking and be the parents we want to be! Thanks for reading!
Inside 5 Hook a Book Lover: 10 Clever Ways to Get Kids to Read 7 Independent School Guide 13 Preschool Guide 14 Tutoring Guide 15 Parenting on the spectrum
BC Parent Newsmagazine
17 Proven Strategies to Help Your Children Deal with the Upcoming Time Change 18 Tried and Tested
twitter.com/ bcparentmag
20 Winter Activity Guide 24 Gift Guide
bcparentmag
26 From Burnt Out to Fired Up
Mailing Address: P.O.Box 30020, North Vancouver, BC V7H 2Y8
Education Issue 2021 Volume 30, Number 2
email: info@bcparent.ca www.bcparent.ca Canadian Publications Mail Registration No.251836
Publisher/Executive Editor: Carlie Parkinson Editor: Geoffrey Legh Advertising Design & Layout: Julie Cochrane Editorial Design & Layout: www.retrometrodesign.ca
Contributors: Janeen Lewis, Priya Tronsgard, Missy Morrison Charko, Emily Bjerkness, Morgane Micheal The Publisher reserves the right to omit advertising which is judged to be in poor taste or which does not conform to the concept of this publication.
Advertising Sales: info@bcparent.ca
bcparent.ca • spring 2021 3
Many offices say that they take care of families and offer wellness care. At Family Wellness Chiropractor, we mean it. How do we welcome families?
• We use a range of chiropractic techniques to suit different body types and issues. • We have a cheerful, inviting décor. • Our office is accessible and we have a baby-change table in our washroom.
What is “wellness” to us?
• We care for the whole person, not just your presenting problem. • Wellness is living life to the fullest… and enjoying it! • No more “I can’t”, as in, “I can’t keep up”, “I can’t concentrate”, “I can’t sleep”, or “I can’t get comfortable”.
How do people describe Dr. Sabrina?
• Unassuming? Yes! Ordinary? Never! • She is dedicated to her craft and to the generations of patient families she serves. • Humanitarian in word and action.
Come and experience the difference for yourself! RSVP for our free one-hour Bright Light Bulb Talk. It’s the best way to find out if our office is right for your family!
Family Wellness Chiropractor www.FamilyWellnessChiro.ca (604) 566-9088
One-of-a-kind Chiropractic Office Once-in-a lifetime Chiropractor
Hook a Book Lover 10 Clever Ways to Get Kids to Read By Janeen Lewis
O
ne of the most important things parents can do is raise a reader. Successful reading leads to successes in academics and gives kids a solid start in life. In fact, recent research shows that kids who read at least 15 minutes a day have accelerated reading gains. But no matter how diligent parents are at supporting reading, sometimes kids resist. Books have to compete with those oh-soscintillating devices, video games and TV streaming apps. Why not shake things up a bit and try some stealthy ways to hook a book lover? The following 10 ideas are sure to win over the most reluctant reader. 1. Let the books out.
Don’t cage them up on the shelves! Research shows that kids from print-rich homes are better readers, but it helps if the books, magazines and newspapers are out where kids can see them. When my son was eight, he announced that he didn’t want to read non-fiction books
because they bored him. I checked out a big stack of nonfiction titles from the library and in my most nonchalant voice said, “You don’t have to read these, but I think I will. They seem very interesting.” I strategically placed
Books have to compete with those oh-so-scintillating devices, video games and TV streaming apps. the books throughout the house, concentrating on his favorite places. That kid read every book by the end of the week. Put bins and baskets of books with inviting covers all over hard surfaces in your home. 2. Reward with extra bedtime reading.
Have you noticed that your child who has a plague-like aversion to reading during the day suddenly develops a fondness for literature when it’s time for bed? Why not embrace
this motivation and let your child earn extra reading time at bedtime? If he or she reads for a specified amount of time or reads a certain number of books, extend lights out for a few minutes—as long as your child spends that time reading. 3. Make your book nook the envy of the neighborhood.
Think: tent with twinkle lights; plump pillows; comfy chairs. Make your child’s reading space as comfortable and inviting as you can. The most original reading space I’ve seen was at a school. It was a model of the fictional Narnia ship Dawn Treader. Kids climbed a ladder to a reading nook on top that was cushioned with carpet and pillows. But you don’t necessarily have to get fancy—sometimes a reading space an adult thinks is quaint is a kid’s castle. When my children were young they draped a sleeping bag over the footboard of our queen-sized bed. Extending it from the back of the bed, they lapped it over a chair and then curled up with their books in the “reading fort.” bcparent.ca • education issue 2021 5
When reading time was over, we put everything away. Another fun thing my kids have done is build a “reading cave” with old moving boxes.
6. Let them order a magazine subscription.
Every year new films come out that are inspired by books. If your child wants to see a movie that was based on a book, have them read the book first and then rent the movie and watch it together. Compare the two, and have your child explain which he or she liked better, the movie or the book.
I let my daughter have a magazine subscription, and she chose Ask magazine for science and art lovers. She reads every edition repeatedly, quoting facts and digging further into topics like poisonous plants and venomous animals. Magazine subscriptions that come specifically for the kids of the house make them feel grown-up and tempt them to read. Some good ones to try: Ask, Ranger Rick, National Geographic Kids, Sports Illustrated Kids, Cobblestone, Ladybug and Highlights.
5 Get graphic.
7. Listen to books in the car.
4. Make it a double feature.
Umm… I’m talking graphic novels here. They may not be the conventional kind of books parents grew up with, but they may draw your child into reading. And while you are mixing it up, let them read comic books. Oh, and throw in some audio books and let them read on a device sometimes. Imagine all the possibilities that might engage your child in reading.
Precious time gets used up chauffeuring kids to school and activities. Use this time to listen to digital downloads of books. If you still have a vehicle with a CD player, some libraries still have audio books on CD for your child to choose from. They also have Playaways, sound recordings in small boxes. With an AAA battery and his or her favorite headphones, your child can listen to a book during long drives.
8. Tickle a funny bone.
From Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid, to Peggy Parish’s Amelia Bedelia, or Sara Pennypacker’s Clementine, a funny story is a good way to hook a book lover. And if you read a humorous book with your child, you might find yourself chuckling along, too. 9. Let there be light.
Come on, don’t be so stuffy! Let them read with a flashlight under the covers. (Or try a little reverse psychology and forbid them to read with a flashlight under the covers.) Also, there are a plethora of really cool reading lights in today’s universe. Headlamps are a unique option, and there are even book lights that keep track of minutes read. 10. Be a rock star reader yourself.
Carve out time daily for your child to see you pouring over the paper, curling up with your favorite book, or discussing a tidbit from a magazine. Model a reading life, and your child will be more likely to embrace the same literature-loving values. Janeen Lewis is a writer, teacher and mom to Andrew and
Gracie. When she’s not trying to tame the whirlwind that is her life, you’ll find her curled up with a good book.
Fun for the Whole Family!
Join us for fun, arts-focused activities, events, and performances suitable for all ages!
Creative kits: Prospera Family Days: Gallery Tour & activity Free artmaking kits Join us for some FREE family fun in the Creative Kits Weekends are back! Stop art gallery! Inspired by our latest by the Art Gallery during regular exhibition, these events are led by our hours to grab your FREE at-home art educators. Next Event: December 2021 kit. Next Event: October 28 - 31, 2021
www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca 6 bcparent.ca • education issue 2021
will's jams: big shiny spoons! Will Stroet performs two familyfriendly concerts to celebrate his latest album! Join us November 20 at 3:00 & 7:00PM. Tables for 2 start at just $36!
@evergreenarts | @artgalleryevergreen
Guide to Lower Mainland Independent Schools School Name
Gender
Grades
Class Size
Enrollment
Alexander Academy
Co-ed
8–12
16-20
141
Avante School
Co-ed
3–12
British Columbia Christian Academy
Co-ed
K–12
20–26
320
Bodwell High School and Bodwell Academy
Co-ed
8–12
17
Day: 200 Boarding: 160 Total: 360
Brockton School
Co-ed
JK–12
20
210
Century High School
Co-ed
8–12
15
140
Children’s Hearing & Speech Centre of BC
Co-ed
PS–2
6–8
28
Choice School
Co-ed
K–7
16
50
Collingwood School
Co-ed
JK–12
15–20
1265
688 West Hastings Unit 200, Vancouver, BC V6B 1P1 604/687-8832; alexanderacademy.ca #202 2830 Grandview Highway,Vancouver, BC V5M 2C9 604/559-5757; avanteschool.ca 1019 Fernwood Avenue, Port Coquitlam, BC V3B 5A8 604/941-8426; bcchristianacademy.ca 955 Harbourside Drive, North Vancouver, BC V7P 3S4 604/924-5056; bodwell.edu/highschool 3467 Duval Rd., North Vancouver, BC V7J 3E8 604/929-9201; brocktonschool.com 300-1788 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6J 1Y1 604/730-8138; centuryhighschool.ca 3575 Kaslo St., Vancouver, BC V5M 3H4 604/437-0255; childrenshearing.ca
20451 Westminster Hwy, Richmond, BC V5M 3H4 604/273-2418; choiceschool.org 70 Morven Drive, West Vancouver, BC V7S 1B2 604/925-3331; collingwood.org
bcparent.ca • education issue 2021 7
Independent School Guide School Name
Gender
Grades
Class Size
Enrollment
Co-ed
PS-7
16-18
238
Girls
JK–12
18–20
910
Eaton Arrowsmith
Co-ed
8-12
25
100
Fraser Academy
Co-ed
1–12
10 max.
260
Fraser Valley Elementary School
Co-ed
K–1
18
48
Island Pacific School
Co-ed
6–9
James Cameron School
Co-ed
2-7
Cousteau, l’Ecole Française Internationale de Vancouver 3637 Fromme Rd., North Vancouver, BC 604/924-2457; cousteauschool.org
Crofton House
3200 West 41st Ave., Vancouver, BC V6N 3E1 604/263-3255; croftonhouse.ca Vancouver: 204-6190 Agronomy Road at UBC, Vancouver, BC; 604/264-8327 White Rock: 300–1538 Foster Street, 3rd Flr, White Rock, BC; 604/538-1710 eatonarrowsmith.com 2294 W. 10th Avenue, Vancouver BC 604/736-5575; fraseracademy.ca
FAx Outreach Center
fraseracademyx.ca Services: Educational Consulting for families; Reading, writing, and math remediation; Executive functioning coaching. 20317 67 Ave., Langley, BC 604/533-5469; fves.bc.ca
671 Carter Road, Bowen Island, BC 604/947-9311; islandpacific.org 20245 Dewdney Trunk Rd, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 3C9 604/465-8444 or 604/465-4561; jcs.bc.ca
Providing an education as unique as your child.
REGISTER NOW — PRESCHOOL TO GRADE 7
604 980 1205
northstarmontessori.ca 8 bcparent.ca • education issue 2021
70
Independent School Guide School Name
Gender
Grades
Class Size
Enrollment
Co-ed
K–12
15–18
181
Girls
8-12
Madrona School Society
Co-ed
K–9
4–14
54
Magnussen Vancouver
Co-ed
K-7
varies
40
Meadow Montessori Elementary & Preschool
Co-ed
PS–7
10–15
60
Meadowridge School
Co-ed
JK–12
20
528
Mulgrave School
Co-ed
PS–12
20
840
North Star Montessori
Co-ed
PS–7
varies
80
Pacific Rim Montessori Academy
Co-ed
PS–7
20
Pacific Spirit School
Co-ed
K–8
14
Pattison High School
Co-ed
8–12
Pear Tree Elementary
Co-ed
K-7
K-1 15 Gr 2-4 15 Gr 5-7 15
45
Pythagoras Academy
Co-ed
JK-7
16
276
Roots and Wings Montessori School
Co-ed
PS–9
Relevant High School
Co-ed
K–12
Richmond Jewish Day School
Co-ed
K–7
Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School
420 Seymour River Place, North Vancouver, BC 604/985-5224; kgms.ca
Little Flower Academy
4195 Alexandra Street, Vancouver, BC V6J 4C6 604/738-9016; lfabc.org 2040 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver BC V6J 2B3 604/499-7303; madronaschool.com Suite 204, 6190 Agronomy Road at UBC, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 604/264-8327; eatonarrowsmith.com 11391 Dartford Street, Maple Ridge, BC 604/465-3492; meadowmontessori.ca 12224 - 240th Street, Maple Ridge, BC 604/467-4444; meadowridge.bc.ca 2330 Cypress Bowl Lane, West Vancouver, BC 604/922-3223; mulgrave.com 1325 East Keith Road, North Vancouver, BC 604/980-1205; northstarmontessori.ca North Star offers an authentic Montessori program from Infancy-Grade 6. Committed to meeting the developmental needs of each child, we foster a love of learning, independence, and respect. Practical experiences build confidence and inspire an intrinsic motivation to ‘learn’ and ‘do’ that students carry with them throughout their lives. Vancouver and Richmond, BC 604/726-8428; pacificrimmontessori.com 4196 W. 4th Ave., Vancouver, BC 604/222-1900; pacificspiritschool.org 981 Nelson Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 3B6 604/608-8788; pattisonhighschool.ca 215-2678 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6K 2G3 604/355-2155, peartree.school 8671 Odlin Crescent, Richmond, BC V6X 1G1 604/370-0199; pythagorasacademy.ca 20315 16 Avenue, Langley, BC V2Z 1W5 Sullivan Centre: #101-15295 #10 Hwy, Surrey, BC V3S 0X9 604/510-2588; rootsandwingsbc.com 18620 Highway 10, Surrey, BC V3S 1G1 604/574-4736; relevantschoolssociety.ca 8760 No. 5 Rd., Richmond, BC 604/275-3393; rjds.ca
476
160
120
15-20
80
bcparent.ca • education issue 2021 9
Independent School Guide School Name
Gender
Grades
Royal Canadian College
Co-ed
8–12
St Alcuin College
Co-ed
K–12
20
St. George’s School
Boys
1–12
20
Day: 1040 Boarding: 120 Total: 1160
St. John’s School
Co-ed
JK–12
14–22
554
St. John’s International School
Co-ed
10–12 with ESL program
15
100
SelfDesign Learning Community – Distributed Learning School
Co-ed
K–12
n/a
1500–2500
Southpointe Academy
Co-ed
K–12
16–24
460
Southridge School
Co-ed
K–12
Vancouver, BC V6P 3M2 604/738-2221; royalcanadiancollege.com 1044 St. Georges Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7L 3H6 604/360-8656; stalcuincollege.com 4175 West 29th Ave., Vancouver, BC 604/221-3890; stgeorges.bc.ca 2215 W. 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6K 2J1 604/732-4434 or 604/629-2458; stjohns.bc.ca 300 - 1885 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC 604/683-4572; stjohnsis.com PO Box 74560, Kitsilano RPO, Vancouver, BC 604/224-3663; selfdesign.org 1900 - 56th Street, Tsawwassen, BC 604/948-8826; southpointe.ca 2656 160th Street, South Surrey, BC V3S 0B7 604/535-5056; southridge.bc.ca
10 bcparent.ca • education issue 2021
Class Size
Enrollment
674
Independent School Guide School Name
Gender
Grades
Class Size
Enrollment
Stratford Hall
Co-ed
K–12
16–22
490
The Westside Schools 604/687-8021, thewestsideschools.ca 1. The Foundation Years Program: K–4 (Enrollment: At capacity—accepting waitlist applicants) 788 Beatty St. Vancouver, BC V6B 2M1 2. The Middle Years Program: 5–9 (Enrollment: At capacity—accepting waitlist applicants) 101 Smithe St., Vancouver, BC V6B 1C2 3. The Westside Miniversity: 10–12 (Enrollment: Spaces available) 211 Nelson St., Vancouver, BC V6B 0P2
Co-ed
K-12
Gr K - 9 12 Gr 10-12
320
Traditional Learning Academy
Co-ed
K–12
Urban Academy
Co-ed
JK–12
10-18
370
Vancouver College
Boys
K–12
20–32
1,065
Vancouver Formosa Academy
Co-ed
7–12
Vancouver Hebrew Academy
Co-ed
PS–7
12
Vancouver Montessori School
Co-ed
PS–7
PS - 20 K-7 - 25
250
Vancouver Talmud Torah
Co-ed
PS–7
18–22
485
Vancouver Waldorf School
Co-ed
PS–12
20–30
300
West Point Grey Academy
Co-ed
JK–12
22
940
Westside Montessori Academy (WMA)
Co-ed
K–7
22 (max)
150
Westside Montessori School (WMS)
Co-ed
PS–K
20
80
Girls
JK–12
16–20
656
3000 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC 604/436-0608; stratfordhall.ca
1189 Rochester Avenue, Coquitlam, BC V3K 2X3; traditionallearning.com 466 Rousseau Street, New Westminster, BC, V3L 3R3 604/524-2211; urbanacademy.ca Urban Academy offers a truly engaging learning experience for students from JK to Grade 12. By bringing core academics to life through technology, the arts, and outdoor education, students achieve high academic standards and thrive in their personal development. 5400 Cartier Street, Vancouver, BC 604/261-4285; vc.bc.ca 5621 Killarney Street, Vancouver, BC V5R 3W4 604/436-2332; vfa.bc.ca 1545 W. 62nd Ave, Vancouver, BC 604/266-1245; vhebrewacademy.com 8650 Barnard Street, Vancouver, BC 604/261-0315; vancouvermontessorischool.com 998 West 26th Ave., Vancouver, BC 604/736-7307; talmudtorah.com 2725 St. Christophers Road, N. Vancouver, BC 604/985-7435; vws.ca 4125 West 8th Avenue Vancouver, BC 604/222-8750; wpga.ca 3075 Slocan St., Vancouver, BC 604/434-9611; westsidemontessoriacademy.ca WMA’s multi-teacher classrooms encourage students to acquire the academic and social skills to become independent thinkers and develop an appreciation for the world around them. Sign up online for open houses: Elementary (K-7) on Dec. 2; Casa (ages 3-5) on Jan. 22. 4157 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 2N1 604/731-6594; westsidemontessori.ca
York House School
4176 Alexandra St., Vancouver, BC 3274 East Boulevard, Vancouver, BC 604/736-6551; yorkhouse.ca
150
bcparent.ca • education issue 2021 11
Calling all educators Join us for a Virtual School Field Trip!
Learn, explore and create through art – now online! We’ve adapted our popular visual arts school workshops into a virtual trip, delivered live on Zoom. Led by our educators, your 90-minute virtual visit includes a video tour of our Art Gallery for inspiration and conversation, followed by hands-on art making in your classroom. Options are available for students in Kindergarten to Grade 8. Visit our website or contact the Box Office to learn more + register!
www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca/virtual-school-field-trips Box office: 604.927.6555 @evergreenarts | @artgalleryevergreen Visit us: 1205 Pinetree Way, coquitlam BC | Lafarge Lake-Douglas Station 12 bcparent.ca • education issue 2021
Advantage Preschool Burnaby, 604/435-1263 advantagepreschool.ca Alderwood House Richmond, 604/272-5023 alderwoodhouse.com Birchland Treehouse Preschool Port Coquitlam, 604/945-0002 birchlandtreehouse.com Brainbridge Bilingual Education and Fine Arts Centre Vancouver, 604/322-6830 brainbridge.ca Brentwood Montessori Preschool & Kindergarten Burnaby, 604/294-2671 brentwoodmontessori.ca BrightPath Kids Lower Mainland 1-888/808-2252 brightpathkids.com Burnaby French Language Playschool Burnaby, 604/432-1323 bflp.org
Casa Dei Bambini Childcare Ages 3–6 Vancouver, 604/434-9611 westsidemontessoriacademy.ca WMA’s multi-teacher classrooms encourage students to acquire the academic and social skills to become independent thinkers and develop an appreciation for the world around them. Sign up online for open houses: Elementary (grades K–7) on Dec. 2; Casa (ages 3–5) on Jan. 22. Canyon Heights Preschool North Van, 604/986-5597 canyonheightspreschool.com Children’s House Montessori Coquitlam, 604/931-1311 montessoribc.com
CEFA Early Learning 18 locations throughout the Lower Mainland and 2 in the Okanagan cefa.ca Cornerstone Christian Academy Richmond, 604/303-9181 cornerstonechristianacademy.ca Council of Parent Participation Preschools 604/435-4430, 800/488-0660 cpppreschools.bc.ca Cousteau, l’Ecole française internationale de Vancouver North Van, 604/924-2457 Cousteauschool.org Creative Edge School of Arts Abbotsford, 604/855-3343 creativeedgebc.com Discovery Montessori Richmond, 604/807-9796 discoverymontessorischool.ca Dunbar Memorial Preschool Vancouver, 604/222-6065 dunbarmemorialpreschool.ca Family Montessori School Vancouver 604/224-2633, 604/731-8810 familymontessori.com Gatehouse Montessori West Van, 604/925-1437 gatehousemontessori.com Hazelwood Early Learning Port Coquitlam, 604/377-8385 hazelwoodearlylearning.com Highlands PreSchool North Van, 604/980-1740 highlandspreschool.ca Kiddies Korner Preschool Port Coquitlam, 604/941-4919 kkp.ca Kids Care Preschool Vancouver, 604/325-2222 southvancouverfamilyplace. org/about-kids-care
La Calypso Vancouver, 778/373-4000 lacalypso.org Little Mountain Montessori Preschool Vancouver, 604/709-9621 Little People Parent Participation Preschool Vancouver, 604/261-2219 littlepeople.ca Little Pythagoras Academy Richmond, 604/370-0199 pythagorasacademy.ca Little Neighbours Preschool 604/521-5158 littleneighbours.com Marpole Bilingual Montessori School Co-ed, grades PS–K Vancouver, 604/266-1091 marpolebilingualmontessori.com Meadow Montessori Elementary & Preschool Maple Ridge, 604/465-3492 meadowmontessori.ca
PJ Kids West Van, 604/926-5972 pjkidsclub.com A play-based childcare program with French enriched curriculum offering half day and full day classes for 3 and 4 years old. We have a great teacher-children ratio, a wonderful playground, and weekly music lessons. Located in the heart of Dundarave, we are a short walking distance from the community center and the library. Our staff is qualified and dedicated ECE teachers with a passion for young children. Pomme d’Api Preschool Vancouver, 604/877-1122 pommedapi.org Reach for the Stars Montessori 5 programs in Vancouver and Burnaby, 604/688-7827 montessoristar.com
Mia Montessori Academy Richmond, 604/616-2997 mia-montessori.com
Sandcastle Park Children’s Centre Richmond, 604/274-8380 sandcastlepark.ca
Morning Glory Montessori Richmond, 604/506-1627 mgmontessori.ca
Stepping Stone Preschool Vancouver, 604/261-5315 steppingstonepreschool.org
North Star Montessori
Sunshine Cove Preschool North Van, 604/770-2683 sunshinecovepreschool.ca
Co-ed, grades PS–7 North Van, 604/980-1205 northstarmontessori.ca North Star offers an authentic Montessori program from infancy to grade 6. Committed to meeting the developmental needs of each child, we foster a love of learning, independence, and respect. Practical experiences build confidence and inspire an intrinsic motivation to ‘learn’ and ‘do’ that students carry with them throughout their lives.
Urban Academy New West, 604/524-2211 urbanacademy.ca Urban Academy offers a truly engaging learning experience for students from JK to Grade 12. Junior Kindergarten is where we begin to teach children to harness their imaginations, explore their surroundings and form critical opinions.
University Hill Preschool Vancouver, 604/228-8610 universityhillpreschool.com Vancouver Hebrew Academy Co-ed, grades PS–7 Vancouver, 604/264-1245 vhebrewacademy.com Vancouver Montessori School Co-ed, grades PS–7 Vancouver, 604/261-0315 vancouvermontessorischool.com Vancouver Talmud Torah Co-ed, grades PS–7 Vancouver, 604/736-7307 talmudtorah.com Vancouver Waldorf School Co-ed, grades PS–12 North Vancouver 604/985-7435 vws.ca Wesbrook Parent Participation Preschool Vancouver, 604/224-3112 wesbrookpreschool.com West Point Grey Preschool Vancouver, 604/257-8140 westpointgrey.org/programs/ licensed-preschool Westside Montessori School Vancouver, 604/731-6594 westsidemontessori.ca Wind and Tide Preschool Abbotsford, Aldergrove, Chilliwack, Cloverdale, Coquitlam, Delta, Ladner, Langley, Maple Ridge, South Surrey, Surrey, Vancouver, White Rock, 877/541-5459 windandtide.com Xplor Fine Arts Preschool Abbotsford, 604/825-0905 xtremetalent.ca/pre-school
bcparent.ca • education issue 2021 13
Tutoring Guide Above Grade Level Lower Mainland, 778/832-1007 abovegradelevel.ca After 3 Tutoring at Fraser Academy Kitsilano, 604/736-5575 fraseracademy.ca Aspire Math Academy West Vancouver, 604/902-2217 aspiremathacademy.com
Edify Learning Spaces
In-home and on-line tutoring! • K-12 (all subjects) • 19 years of award winning service
604/368-3554 edifylearningspaces.com Edify Learning Spaces is a 1-on-1 online tutoring agency. We find the best tutor to customize lessons to your child’s learning style. We strongly believe that each child can find the best outcomes if they find a tutor who knows how to teach them. We make lessons fun so they learn 8X faster and make sure they know we care. We connect before we correct! Tutors available for children who are neurodivergent. Eye Level Learning Centers Port Moody, North Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Surrey, White Rock myeyelevel.com KEY Admissions Vancouver, West Vancouver keyadmissions.com Kumon 800/222-6284 kumon.com Learning Disabilities Society 604/873-8139 ldsociety.ca MPM Math 604/266-6762 mpmmath.ca Ages 3–6
For more information, please contact us today
Greater Vancouver 604.439.1790 Richmond 604.283.9914
Oxford Learning Coquitlam, 604/464-3090 Richmond, 604/233-5566 South Surrey, 604/575-1494 North Van, 604/990-8850 Kerrisdale, 604/266-6000 Kitsilano, 604/563-2000 West Van, 604/922-5566 Burnaby, 604/565-5877 oxfordlearning.com PD Plus Tutoring 604/421-6101 pdplustutors.com
schooliseasy.com 14 bcparent.ca • education issue 2021
The Reading Foundation 604/549-5034 readingfoundation.com
School Is Easy Tutoring 604/439-1790 or 1-877-ITS EASY schooliseasy.com In-home and online tutoring. The largest and most respected tutoring agency in the Lower Mainland offering services since 2002. They provide carefully screened, qualified tutors in all subjects: Grades 1–12, ESL (all levels), Special Ed (Autism/ADHD), Study Skills, Gifted programs, Math, Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Socials, History, English and French immersion. Call for a free consultation. They will create a learning plan and set goals for each student. Winner of BBB Marketplace Excellence 2018 and 1st place People’s Pick award 2018. Sealy Tutoring Vancouver, 604/900-9808 sealytutoring.com Spirit of Math West Vancouver, Vancouver, Richmond, South Surrey 1-866-767-6284 spiritofmath.com Symbols Multisensory Learning Centres Vancouver, Coquitlam, Richmond, 604/696-2030 symbolslearning.com Sylvan Learning 1-888-338-2283 SylvanLearning.ca Teachers to Go 800/428-8164 TeachersToGo.ca Teachers’ Tutoring Service Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley 604/730-3410 tutor.bc.ca TutorBright, Vancouver Vancouver, 778/300-5000 tutorbright.com Tutor Doctor Multiple locations in Richmond & Delta, 604/670-6835 tutor-doctor.com Voilà Learning Online and at Home tutoring across Canada, 866/900-0658 VoilaLearning.com West Coast Centre for Learning Home-based programs with individualized coaching Surrey, 778/839-5515 Ages 3–18years westcoastcentreforlearning.com
Parenting on the Spectrum
Connect, Reframe, Advocate and Be Grateful By Priya Tronsgard
O
ver the past 12 years, I’ve learned so much about children, family, and youth. I was the director of a licensed childcare facility in my hometown of East Vancouver. I held a position on the advisory committee for Children, Family, and Youth in the City of Vancouver. I’m also a proud parent of two neurodivergent children, and I am working on an audiobook called Reframe: A Guide for Caregivers and Parents for Neurodivergent Children. From all my experience, I can tell you that parenting children who are autistic is unique, rewarding, and insightful. As a parent of two neurodivergent children, I love advocating for neurodivergence. What is it exactly? Simply put, neurodivergence is having a brain that processes information, learns, and expresses differently from what
is considered ‘typical’. Examples of neurodivergence include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, FASD, ODD, Dyslexia, and language delays. Parenting on the spectrum,* or rather parenting autistic children, is different for every parent because each child is unique. Some children speak while others do not. Some experience seizures. Some are sensitive to textures or smells, and other children are sensitive to sounds or lights. They may not eat enough or only eat limited foods. Some children are elopers/flight risks, while others may be violent or aggressive towards themselves while frustrated. Do these characteristics sound familiar? There are so many *It’s important to note that in the autism community, many self-advocates and their allies prefer terminology such as “autistic,” because they understand autism as an inherent part of an individual’s identity.
combinations of behaviour that keep us as parents up at night. Whatever your concerns may be, I want to reassure you that they are valid, and every parent needs support on their parenting journey on the spectrum. Here are some things that helped me create agency, community, and appreciation to help families thrive with an autism diagnosis. Get connected in the community with likeminded parents and caregivers. As the
parent of a newly diagnosed child, you may feel broken, torn, vindicated, validated, bittersweet, or relieved. Adjusting to the diagnosis and the realities of life can feel overwhelming. We must rearrange our schedules and our daily lives to fit in assessments, meetings, and different therapy sessions. You may think, “Who can do all of this on their own?” bcparent.ca • education issue 2021 15
When you find a group of parents who are in the same position as you, you will realize you aren’t alone! There are many community support groups for parents and caregivers of autistic children. Join one! Advice and support are truly meaningful when they come from someone with the lived experience of navigating this parenting labyrinth, and many parents of autistic children enjoy a life with less stress and anxiety through experience. You can learn from them. Find those that understand the beauty in neurodivergence or at least have an openness to the idea of it. As parents and caregivers, we are stronger together. Reframe the diagnosis out of pathology into abilities. The diagnosis is not all that
your child is! What makes your child unique and what are their strengths? Make note of their special abilities. It can help you down the road when you need to advocate for them. Also, if a child knows their strengths, they can truly reach the heights they’ll set for themselves. Here are a few examples: the abil-
16 bcparent.ca • education issue 2021
ity to hyperfocus, resiliency, good memory, hyperlexia, creativity, curiosity, honesty, logical thinking, alternative strategizing, alternative problem solving, productivity, efficiency, and the ability to spot patterns and trends. Advocate at school. Get ready to speak up!
You are not in for a life of burden, but you will have to advocate at times for your child when they can’t. As a parent to elementaryaged or older children who are autistic, you may have to advocate during ‘individualized education plans’, also known as IEPs. IEP meetings are usually offered by schools so that teachers, support personnel, and parents can work together as a team to meet the needs of individual students. You may also have to advocate for the support of education assistants (EAs), for teacher support, and for changes in environment or equipment to name a few situations. Being a strong and knowledgeable voice for your child will help them get the most out of their school experience.
Gratitude. Many parents with children on the
spectrum report feeling anxiety and depression. Gratitude is a simple, low-cost/no-cost solution to help you deal with the stressors of parenting a neurodivergent child. Robert Emmons, a key researcher in gratitude, found that practicing gratitude decreases high blood pressure, results in stronger immune systems, increases joy and pleasure, and decreases feelings of loneliness and isolation. I’ve found that writing in a gratitude journal has significantly decreased my anxiety and depression. A gratitude journal can’t be written in just once and then left; gratitude is a muscle that needs to be flexed to see true results. What are you thankful for? Write something down every day and watch your perspective transform. With this knowledge, you can safely thrive and advocate for your child. Moving away from fear is hard when we are arrested by pathological outcomes, so let’s work together to be the tide that lifts all boats. Priya Tronsgard is a local mom of two neurodivergent children,
founder of Edify Learning Spaces, author of soon-to-be released audiobook, “Reframe: A Guide for Parents & Caregivers for Neurodivergent Kids”, former director of a childcare, and life-long learner.
Proven Strategies to Help Your Children Deal with the Upcoming Time Change By Missy Morrison Charko
D
aylight savings, whether it is coming to an end or just beginning, can really get under people’s, and especially parent’s, skin. I don’t blame you and I am right there with you! It is logical that the shift of your child’s sleep, eating and activity patterns by an entire hour will be felt. It affects not only children’s sleep patterns, but those of adults as well. In fact, statistically, there is an 8% increase in traffic accidents the Monday after daylight savings time kicks in. It can increase our sleep debt, especially in children, who tend to be much more structured in their morning routine and their bedtime routine. So, you can see why, in my profession, I don’t like either time change, and there is a great debate going on about getting rid of it all together! They have my vote! But that is not the point of this article! Today, I am going to give you some tips on how to get through this dreaded time! Many parents just try to ignore that it is even happening, therefore not assisting their child through the transition. That’s not your fault! But read on to learn a few strategies to make the transition easier!
Strategy A: “Start Early”
Step 1: Since we will be moving backwards
with our clocks, you will want to move back in increments before the transition happens. So first, jot down the times that your child wakes up, eats, and goes to bed. Step 2: Do gradual shifts over 2 to 4 days, either: • shifting in 30-minute increments in the 2 days leading up to the time change; or • shifting in 15-minute increments in the 4 days leading up to the time change. Example for 4 days: If your child currently goes to bed at 7:00 pm, then you will want to start shifting them back 4 days in advance, so: 6:45, 6:30, 6:15, and 6:00 pm. Step 3: Make sure that you shift everything else as well! So, morning wake-up, lunch and dinner times. Strategy B: “Split the Difference”
Step 1: My recommendation to all parents
is just to leave the clocks alone so it’s not a psychologically upsetting event to see your little one up an hour earlier. Just get up at your usual time and start the day. After your
cup of coffee and a bit of breakfast, then you can go around changing the clocks. It will feel much better this way, trust me! Step 2: That day, you are going to adjust the child’s naps and bedtime by a half hour. If your child does not nap, that is fine, just shift the bedtime and the wakeup time. Step 3: On the fourth night, just get in line with the new time so your child is back to going to bed when the clock says 7:00 pm. Adjust naps to the correct time on day 4 as well. Example (Baby): If your little one usually takes a morning nap around 9:30, you will adjust this to 9:00 for the three days after the time change. It will be a bit of a push for your child, but not so much that it will cause much damage to her schedule. Do the same for the afternoon nap. If your little one goes to sleep at 7:00 pm, then put that child to bed at 6:30 pm for the first three days following the time change. (This will FEEL like 7:30 to your child.) Example (Toddler): If you have children over the age of two, you can put a digital clock in Continued on page 19
bcparent.ca • education issue 2021 17
Tried and Tested
Tips from a do-it-all mom to get moving and live healthier
By Emily Bjerkness
T
he impact of this past year has been different for everyone. But there are common threads among many of us: we felt more stressed, more anxious and we became more sedentary. A study released in April 2021 found that Canadian adults who were struggling with stress and anxiety related to the pandemic were less likely to engage in physical activity. Getting ourselves back on track with healthier routines and choices is on the minds of many. It’s up to each one of us individually to decide when we are ready and able to take the steps to incorporate healthier habits back into our lives. When that time comes, I’m here to tell you that your path to living healthier shouldn’t be drastic, restrictive or black and white! You are most likely to succeed in the long-run if your goals are realistic and sustainable. Sharing a bit about my story will help demonstrate how I know this advice to be true. Before becoming a mom of four (all under the age of five!), I always considered myself a very active person. Amidst the chaos of motherhood, I found myself not being as active and I quickly started to feel the effects. Keeping 18 bcparent.ca • education issue 2021
up with my kids started to become more difficult and I realized that I needed to make some serious lifestyle changes. As someone who had turned to fad diets and workouts for quick fixes for my whole life, I knew that my usual “all or nothing” approach wasn’t going to cut it. I wanted real change and I knew that
Your path to living healthier shouldn’t be drastic, restrictive or black and white! finding balance was the only way I was going to create sustainable changes. I joined WW— formally known as Weight Watchers—and I created healthier habits without sacrificing the foods and activities that I love. My success is due in large part to the coaches and community that inspired me, and kept me inspired, engaged and accountable. Since being on the program, I’ve lost over 50 lbs. And the biggest change is in how I feel.
I never could have predicted at the beginning of my wellness journey that I would eventually evolve into a mentor for others. Today, I am a coach for WW Digital 360. It’s so rewarding to share my story, and see myself reflected in others who are just starting their wellness journey. In this article I’ve compiled some realistic and effective tips to help you get active, stay motivated and achieve your wellness goals so that you can be the healthiest and best version of yourself. Avoid feeling defeated by setting realistic goals
As parents, it can feel next to impossible to find the time and energy to squeeze in a workout. As a mom of four, I’ve learned that the best way to stay on track with my fitness routine is to set goals that are realistic and achievable. Some days this means taking a scheduled workout class, and other days, simply getting active and moving when and where I can fit it in. For example, getting my steps in while my kids are playing at the playground instead of sitting on the bench scrolling my phone—win-win! They enjoy
time at the park, and I’m able to get my activity in for the day. Make sustainable lifestyle changes to keep you on track
Extreme quick fixes are just that: short-lived. Like so many of us, I have fallen victim to all-or-nothing tactics in the past. But now, I have shifted my mindset and found that balance is the goal. You don’t have to be perfect to celebrate the new habits you’ve made on your fitness journey. Despite the setbacks I have faced, I’m proud of my progress and I see the results in real ways like walking up hills, going down slides at the park and having no fear in putting on my bathing suit. Taking time for yourself is never time wasted
As a parent, we are always showing up for our families, but we often forget to show up for ourselves. Taking time for yourself improves your wellbeing and helps you grow—which is a win for everyone else around you too. Recently, WW conducted a Global Consumer Sentiment survey in partnership with EMI Research which found
that 42% of Canadians have made exercising a top priority for the second half of the year. I feel like a better mom and partner when I take time to move my body. Even if it’s only 15 minutes out of your day, investing in yourself and what you love improves your overall health and wellbeing. For me, playing field hockey, going for a walk and listening to a podcast, or going to bed early, are ways that I invest in myself and help me be the best version of myself for my family. Find a community that supports you and your goals
Reaching your goals is always easier and more fun when you have a community of people behind you to uplift and encourage you along the way. The buddy system is a great way to stay accountable, and you can get your family involved with bike rides or trips to a local nature walk. You’re not alone on this journey. We get you, I am you! Emily Bjerkness is a mom of four and a WW Digital 360
Coach. The Digital 360 platform gives you access to on-demand coaching, live workout sessions and support from like-minded individuals across the country.
Upcoming Time Change (Cont’d from 17)
the room and put a piece of tape over the minutes, so that they can see if it is 6:00 pm or 7:00 pm, but they cannot see the minutes. Set the clock forward half an hour so that at 6:30 it says 7:00 and let them get up a little earlier than normal, knowing that, by the end of the week, they will be back on track and sleep until their normal wake-up time. Overall, it will take about a week for your child’s body to get used to this shift. It takes everyone’s bodies, even adults, roughly one week to adjust to any kind of change in sleeping habits. So be patient. You will most likely see some mood and possible behavior changes in your child and possibly in your spouse as well! So, go easy on them, it will all “fall back” into place, and we will forget about it, until spring comes along! Missy Morrison Charko is a Certified Sleep Sense
Consultant and Founder of Say Yes to the Rest Pediatric Sleep Consulting. She resides in British Columbia with her husband and two young children. She provides private sleep consultations within the Thompson-Okanagan Region and remotely across Canada and the USA. You can visit her website: www.sayyestotherest.com for more information.
bcparent.ca • education issue 2021 19
winter activity guide
Winter Activity Guide
Lower Mainland & Fraser Valley dance Al Mozaico Flamenco Dance Academy Vancouver and Burnaby, 604/671-9182 mozaicoflamenco.com
Dance Co Vancouver, Arbutus and East Van, 604/736-3394 danceco.com Ages 3+
The Arts Connection – Dance School Richmond, 604/241-0141 theartsconnection.org Ages: infant to 16 years
E.J.S. School of Fine Arts – Dance Surrey, 604/596-4883 ejsfinearts.com Ages 5+
Arts Umbrella Vancouver / Surrey 604/681-5268 / 604/535-1127 artsumbrella.com Ages 2–22
Gabriela’s Movement Studio Richmond, 604/272-0607 movementstudio.ca Ages 1–9
AUUC School of Dance Vancouver, 604/254-3436 auucvancouver.ca Ages 3 to adult
Goh Ballet Academy Vancouver, 604/872-4014 gohballet.com Ages 4–17
North Shore Celtic Ensemble North Vancouver, 604/987-4063 nsce.ca Ages 8–18
Pulse Dance Centre Port Coquitlam, 604/474-3466 onthepulse.ca Ages 2+
Pacific Dance Arts Vancouv er, 604/738-8575 pacificdancearts.ca Ages 3+
Rain City Dance School Vancouver, 604/369-4440 raincitydance.com Ages 4+
Perform Art Studios North Vancouver, 604/988-4420 performartstudios.com Ages 3–18
Reflection Dance Studio White Rock, 604/355-4199 reflectiondancestudio.com Ages 5+
Pink Petal Ballet North Vancouver pinkpetal.ca Ages 2+
Place des Arts
Boogaloo Academy Vancouver, 604/805-0558 boogalooacademy.com Ages 5 months+
hz Ballet Classique Burnaby, 604/299-9698 balletclassique.com Ages 18 months+
Bright Stars Vancouver, 604/725-1607 brightstars.ca Ages 2+
Just for Kicks School of Dance Surrey, 604/596-4161 justforkicksschoolofdance.com Ages 3+
Coquitlam, 604/664-1636 placedesarts.ca Ages 3+ Place des Arts offers Sept.–June and fall, winter and spring session dance classes in ballet, jazz, hiphop, tap, lyrical and yoga for children, teens and adults, both online and in-person.
Creative Edge School of Arts Abbotsford, 604/855-3343 creativeedgebc.com Ages 2+
North Shore Academy of Dance North Vancouver, 604/987-3814 nsad.ca Ages 3–18
Port Moody School of Dance 604/936-0966 portmoodydance.com Ages 3+
20 bcparent.ca • education issue 2021
School of Music and Dance Langley, Surrey and White Rock musicanddance.org Ages 2+ The Landing Dance Centre South Vancouver, 604/325-8653 TheLandingDance.com Ages 8 to adult Tri-City Dance Centre Coquitlam, 604/523-6868 tricitydance.com Ages 3+ Vancouver Phoenix International Academy of Dance Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey 778/885-3456; 604/600-8066 vpdance.ca Ages 4+
winter activity guide Vancouver Tap Dance Society East Vancouver, 604/253-0293 vantapdance.com Ages 3+ Vancouver Academy of Dance Vancouver and Richmond 604/231-8293 vancouverdance.com Ages 3+ Wee Dance Vancouver, New Westminster, Surrey, White Rock, 604/720-0544 weedance.com World Dance Co Burnaby, 604/517-4644 worlddanceco.com Ages 3+
music Arbutus Music Academy Vancouver arbutusmusicacademy.com Ages 3+ The Arts Connection – Music School Richmond, 604/241-0141 theartsconnection.org Ages 4+ BC Conservatory of Music Burnaby, 604/299-2984
bccmusic.ca Ages 4+ BC Registered Music Teachers Assoc. 604/733-5531 bcrmta.bc.ca All ages Campos Music Vancouver, 604/325-0480 camposmusic.ca Ages 4+ Carillon Music Surrey 604/591-1161 carillonmusicacademy.com Ages 2.5+
Colourstrings Music & Movement Group Classes Vancouver, 778/846-0127 colourstringsvan.com Ages 3 months to 6 years Winter Registrations open in November. Colourstrings Conservatory of Music offers a complete music education; beginning with Music & Movement classes, fun and engaging activities that enhance the whole child’s development. The preschool children learn do-re-mi solfege with hand-signs & basic music reading with professional, enthusiastic music teachers. Our choir and
instrumental lessons for 6 yrs onwards develop musicianship & music reading skills further. Keeping it small for fall: Covid Protocols & cleaning in place, masks for all kids 5 yrs+, limited adult access, teachers wearing masks, social distancing & smaller classes. Delta Community Music School Delta, 604/946-1280 dcms.ca Ages 5+ E.J.S. School of Fine Arts – Music Surrey, 604/596-4883 ejsfinearts.com Ages 4+ Jean Lyons School of Music Vancouver, 604/734-4019 jeanlyonsmusic.com All Ages Jumpstart Music & Movement Abbotsford, Coquitlam, Ridge Meadows facebook.com/jumpstartmusicandmovement/ Newborn to 5 years Kindermusik with Miss Audrey 778/838-9595 kindermusikwithmissaudrey.kindermusik.com Newborn to age 7
Langley Community Music School 604/534-2848 langleymusic.com Ages 3 months+ Long & McQuade Music Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Courtenay, Kamloops, Langley, Nanaimo, North Vancouver, Port Coquitlam, Prince George, Richmond, Surrey, Vancouver, Victoria, White Rock, long-mcquade.com/lessons All Ages Music for Young Children 800/828-4334. myc.com Ages 3 to 9 years MusicQube Education Ltd. Richmond, 604/370-5678 Ages 2+ North Shore Celtic Ensemble North Van, 604/987-4063, nsce.ca Ages 8–18 North Shore Music Academy North Vancouver, 604/925-3403 nsma.ca Ages 3+ North Shore Music Together Multiple locations in North Vancouver 778/899-5004 northshoremusictogether.com Ages 0–5 years
Place des Arts is a not-for-profit arts education centre offering classes for all ages in
music • dance • theatre visual arts • creative writing 1120 Brunette Ave. Coquitlam, BC 604.664.1636 placedesarts.ca @pdacoquitlam
bcparent.ca • education issue 2021 21
winter activity guide Oakridge Music Studio Vancouver, 604/321-1551 omusicstudios.com
Place des Arts Coquitlam, 604/664-1636 placedesarts.ca Ages 1.5+ Place des Arts has over 30 qualified music teachers offering private lessons and group classes for all ages, both online and in-person, in a wide variety of instruments. Classes for children, including the popular Musical Rainbow and Music for Young Children® programs, start at 1.5 years and give kids a strong start in music, preparing them for private lessons as they get older. Richmond Community Music School 604/272-5227 richmondmusicschool.ca Ages 4+ School of Music and Dance Langley, Surrey and White Rock musicanddance.org Ages 3+ Staccato Music Studios Burnaby, 604/421-3753 staccatostudios.com Ages 4+ Tom Lee Music Academy Lower Mainland, 604/688-8929 tomleemusic.ca
Vancouver Academy of Music Vancouver, 604/734-2301 vam.bc.ca Ages 3.5–18 Vancouver Central School of Music Vancouver, 605-565-8999, vcsom.com Ages 5+ Vancouver Children’s Choir 604/682-6363 vancouverchildrenschoir.ca Girls 8–16, Boys 8–12 VSO School of Music 604/915-9300 vsoschoolofmusic.ca Ages 0+ Western Conservatory of Music Langley, 604/530-0317 westernconservatoryofmusic.ca Ages 3+ Westside Music Together Vancouver, 778/829-6651 westsidemusictogether.ca Ages 0+ Wonder of Learning Vancouver, 604/829-1346 wonderoflearning.ca Ages 2.5+
performing arts Arts Umbrella – Theatre and Music Vancouver / Surrey 604/681-5268 / 604/535-1127
artsumbrella.com Ages 2–22 Carousel Theatre for Young People Vancouver, 604/669-3410 carouseltheatre.ca Ages 3–18 CircusWest East Vancouver 604/252-3679 circuswest.com Ages 8–16 E.J.S. School of Fine Arts – Musical Theatre Surrey 604/596-4883 ejsfinearts.com Ages 7+ Gateway Academy for Performing Arts Acting, Musical Theatre, Speech, Singing Richmond, 604/247-4975 gatewaytheatre.com/academy Ages 6–18 Inspire Arts Academy Surrey, 604/818-3731 inspirearts.ca Ages 5–12 JCC Performing Arts School Vancouver 604/257-5111 jccgv.com Ages 6+
Lights Up Musical Theatre Schools Locations throughout the Lower Mainland. 1-888-502-5253 lightsuptheatre.ca Ages 3–18
Place des Arts – Theatre Coquitlam, 604/664-1636 placedesarts.ca Ages 4+ Place des Arts offers theatre and musical theatre programs for children and youth both online and in-person. Our program offers introductory and intermediate-level classes that build the fundamental skills necessary to prepare students for our Coquitlam Youth Theatre and Summer Theatre Troupe. Vancouver Performing Stars Vancouver, 604/671-3775 performingstars.ca
visual arts 4 Cats Arts Studios Norht Vancouver, Richmond, South Surrey, Vancouver, West Vancouver 4cats.com The Arts Connection Richmond 604/241-0141 theartsconnection.org Ages 4+ Arts Umbrella – Visual, Media, and Applied Arts, Vancouver / Surrey 604/681-5268 / 604/535-1127 artsumbrella.com Ages 2–22 Creative Edge School of Arts Abbotsford, 604/855-3343 creativeedgebc.com Ages 6+
Place des Arts – Visual Arts Coquitlam, 604/664-1636 placedesarts.ca Ages 3+ Place des Arts offers visual arts classes for all ages in a wide variety of mediums and run during the fall, winter and spring sessions. Students are encouraged to take more than one session, as each session introduces new ideas, techniques and materials. Some of our classes are structured to accommodate in-person and online students at the same time. Surrey Art Gallery 604/501-5566 surrey.ca/artgallery Ages 3+
22 bcparent.ca • education issue 2021
winter activity guide
specialty Arts Umbrella – Media Arts Vancouver, 604/681-5268 artsumbrella.com Ages 6–19 BrainSTEM Learning North Vancouver, 604/379-2767 brainstemlearning.ca Ages 4–14 Bricks 4 Kidz Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, 778/872-STEM (7836) bricks4kidz.com/vancouver Ages 5–12 Build a Biz Kids Port Moody, 604/313-9996 buildabizkids.com Cerebral Palsy Association of BC Lower Mainland (604) 408-9484 bccerebralpalsy.com Chi Kids – Happiness Tools for Life Vancouver, Burnaby chischool.ca Chorus and Clouds Vancouver, 604/873-0091 chorusandclouds.ca Christianne’s Lyceum of Literature and Art Vancouver, 604/733-1356 christianneslyceum.com Ages 1–8
Sea Smart-After School Program Vancouver, 604/358-3001 seasmartschool.com Ages 6–9
Climb Base5 North Vancouver, 604/984-9080 climbbase5.com Ages 6–18
Sewing with Frances Burnaby, 604/433-1030
Grandview Skating Club grandviewskatingclub.com Ages 3+
The C.O.D.E. (Creating Opportunities Defining Education) Initiative Vancouver (UBC) 778/875-0548 thecodeinitiative.ca Helping children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) find a passion and an interest in coding. Under the GUI – Coding for kids Kitsilano, Vancouver South, North Vancouver, Coquitlam 604 700 9931 underthegui.com Ages 7 –15+ Young Entrepreneur Learning Labs South Surrey/White rock, Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, and Richmond 1/800–243-0335 yelearninglabs.com Ages 7–15
sports Absolute Cheer and Tumbling Camp North Vancouver, 604/984-4107 absolutegym.ca Ages 5–12
Dolphin Kids™ Achievement programs 778 939-6440 dolphinkids.ca
Aquaventures Swim Centre Vancouver, 604/736-SWIM aquaventuresswim.com Ages 6 months+
Girl Guides of Canada
Atlantis Swim Programs 604/874-6464, Vancouver atlantisprograms.com Ages 4 months+
Canada wide, info@girlguides.ca girlguides.ca Girl Guides is a place where girls can be themselves and make life-long friendships. She will find joy as she takes on activities designed just for her in a safe space where who she is and what she loves are celebrated. Mindful Changes West Vancouver, 778/999-6457 mindful-changes.com Nature Kids BC Province wide, 604/985-3057 naturekidsbc.ca
Burnaby New West Ringette New Westminster cometryringette.ca bnwr.ca Ages 4–14 Club Aviva Coquitlam, 604/526-4464 clubaviva.ca Ages 6 months+
On The Mic Voice-Over Training Vancouver, 604 669-0654 onthemictraining.com Ages 10–17
Come Try Ringette Burnaby, New West, Vancouver, Poco, Coquitlam, Fraser Valley, West/North Van, Richmond, Surrey, Chilliwack cometryringette.ca Ages 4–14
RoboCamps by Daedalos Enrichment Programs Vancouver, 604/345-8603 info@daedalos.ca robocamps.ca
Dynamo Swim Club Burnaby, Surrey 778/866-6604 dynamoswimclub.net Ages 3–18
Jump! Gymnastics North Vancouver: 604/971-0513 and Vancouver: (604) 559-6492 jumpgymnastics.ca Ages 6 months–7 years Langley Gymnastics Foundation 604/455-8845 langleygymnastics.ca Ages 11 months+ Marina’s Swim School Richmond, Whiterock 604/818-4650 marinaswimschool.com
Sportball 604/688-3157 sportball.ca Ages 16 months–12 years Sportball introduces children to sports by focusing on non-competitive, skills-based games and activities. This supports their physical literacy (motor and social development) and enables children to gain confidence and develop the skills necessary to succeed in sport and life. Tri-Cities Gracie Jiu-Jitsu® Port Moody (866) 936-1252 tricitiesgjj.com TumbleTown Movement Education Centre Vancouver, Richmond tumbletown.ca Ages 4 months–8 years UBC Active Kids Gymnastics 604/822-2027 outreach.kin.educ.ubc.ca/active-kids 18 months–18 years
Momentum Ninja Port Coquitlam 778/941-9631 momentumninja.com Ages 1yr+ My Gym Children’s Fitness Center Surrey, Maple Ridge, Langley, Richmond mygym.com Ages 6 weeks–10 years North Shore Equestrian Centre North Vancouver, 604/988-5131 wecreateriders.com Ages 8+ Pedalheads Bike Camps 1-888-886-6464 pedalheads.com Ages 2–12
Uphoria Yoga Vancouver, 604/326-2995 uphoriayoga.com Ages 3+ Wayland Sports Maple Ridge, 604/465-9293 waylandsports.com Walking - 10 years+ White Rock Gymnastics 604/542-0386 whiterockgym.org Walking - 11 years+ YogaButtons Studio Vancouver, 604/739-9642 yogabuttons.com Ages newborn–12
Phoenix Gymnastics Vancouver, 604/737-7693 phoenixgymnastics.com Ages 6 months+
Zone Camps – Ski/ride Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver 604/980-9311 grousemountain.com Ages 5–18
RBL Basketball Vancouver, 604/269-0221 RBLBasketball.com Ages 5–15 Richmond Gymnastics Association 604/278-3614 richmondgymnastics.com Ages 18 months+ Soccer Shots Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey, Coquitlam, Delta, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Langley soccershots.org Ski Wee & Wee Riders Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver, 604/980-9311 grousemountain.com Ages 3–6
bcparent.ca • education issue 2021 23
Holiday Gift Guide 1. For Curious Minds
2. For Performers
3. For the Musician
Guiness book of World Records 2022
LetsGlow Studio
VTECH Kidi•Star DJ Mixer
Available at Walmart, Canadian Tire, Mastermind Toys, Toys-R-Us, and Indigo $34.99
Available at Indigo $72.99
From fantastical adventures like the first expedition to reach the South Pole to out-ofthis-world talents, the NEW Guinness World Records 2022 Edition is jam-packed with 12 exciting chapters that transport you to a world through the eyes of explorers, adventurers, innovators and more. And this year, the book focuses on the environment and the recordbreaking lengths people are going to make a difference. Discover our world – the good, the bad, and the ugly – and what people are doing to protect it.
This first-ever content-creation kit uses LetsGlow technology to light up your TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram videos! Prepare to show off your personality and create custom designs by using these innovative retroreflective materials.
Available at guinnessworldrecords.com for 14.99
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Is your child into making jams? Let them scratch and jam to the music on the DJ turntable. Create custom mixes playing along with the 15 included songs or connect to your own music player, via Bluetooth wireless technology or audio cable.
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4. For Playful Kids
5. For the Little Ones
Do you have someone who loves their dolls and perhaps wants to become a “YouTuber”? This is the ideal gift. OMG we SISTERS present A DOUBLE FEATURE. Starring: QUEENS OF THE SILVER SCREEN. With: FIERCE STYLE. Unbox SURPRISES and MOVIE SCENES to create UR OWN MOVIE! Unbox 12 dolls and 70+ surprises that add up to over $300 in value! OMG Movie Magic Studios makes sure you are ready to film with packaging that becomes a movie studio with 4 stages and a movie theater green screen! This toy set would be an amazing addition to the VTech KidiZoom® Creator Cam!
Do you remember Cabbage Patch Kids? Well, they’re back! These cutes dolls are either 14” or 9” plush ready for cuddles. The handstitched details as seen on their fingers, elbows, belly buttons, and toes. They have beautiful, rooted hair and are scented with the traditional baby powder scent that people know and love. Available from Walmart, Toys “R” Us, Amazon.ca $9.99+
Both available from ToysRUs OMG Dolls $199.99 VTech KidiZoom Creator Cam $84.99
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From Burnt-Out to Fired Up! How to Reignite Your Passion for Life
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By Morgane Michael
any of us are feeling overwhelm ed by small routine tasks, the pressures of keeping up with all of the ever-changing health and safety policies, and, quite frankly, recovering from our second back-to-school season during a pandemic feels like running a never-ending marathon. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, people across North
America are displaying higher than ever anxiety, depression, and, even worse, suicide rates. The COVID-19 pandemic has only made those challenges worse. Many parents, educators, and children are at a breaking point… many of us are feeling the effects of burnout. Drawing from the latest research and my own teaching experiences, I’ve identified five easy approaches to reignite your passion and replenish your well-being—reflect, reframe,
refocus, reconnect, and reveal. You can make a commitment today to begin a new chapter—one where you continue to make a difference while maintaining a deep sense of wellness, worthiness, and wholeheartedness. In each section, I’ll offer one simple practice you can incorporate into your daily life to help you thrive and overcome the effects of burnout!
1. REFLECT
2. REFRAME
3. REFOCUS
Understanding ourselves and reflecting on our state of mind is an essential component of replenishing ourselves Daily Emotional Check in: Take some time to name your feelings every day, even multiple times per day. 1. What emotions am I feeling right how? 2. Where do I feel it in my body? 3. What do I need right now?
Even in some of the most adverse situations, parents are expected to be flexible, positive, adaptable, competent, and knowledgeable, dedicating themselves to meeting the needs of their children no matter the circumstance. Within our capacity for self-awareness, we must make room to audit our internal narratives so we can recover quickly from adversity. Write Yourself a Letter: Take a moment to write yourself a letter, reflecting on some of the following questions. 1. What is the biggest lesson I’ve learned as a result of being a parent? What are some of the biggest challenges I’ve had to overcome? What am I most proud of as a parent? 2. Take the letter and hide it in a conspicuous place until you need the reminder of your own resilience.
We all have deep-seated dreams that reside within us, and there comes a time when we must take a good look at our lives to determine what we want our story to be. Refocusing is your ability to take stock of those dreams and to recalibrate your compass in such a way that you can step into the life you’ve always hoped to have. Goal Reset: 1. Write down your top three goals. 2. Make a game plan to achieve the goal. Enlist the help of friends and family, find ways to carve out time, and don’t forget to articulate how achieving the goal will improve your life.
“If you’ve ever had days where you questioned your efficacy as a parent, spouse, or friend, you are not alone.” 26
“ If you simply feel overwhelmed, headed toward burnout, think back to the 5 R’s.” 4. RECONNECT
Humans are neurobiologically designed to connect to one another. The good news is that, with intention, we can develop excellent communication skills, with strong boundaries, and connect meaningfully to those around us. Seven-Day Gratitude Text Challenge: 1. Text a friend about one good thing that happened each day for a week. 2. Reflect on your level of connectedness and gratitude by the end of the week.
5. REVEAL
“Oh, I’m not creative.” How many times have you heard someone refute their own creativity with a sense of scientific conviction? Maybe you’re guilty of doing this, too. Here’s the thing—your perceived lack of creativity is total nonsense. We are all born creative. It is only in adulthood that some of us lose the childlike capacity for divergent (creative) thinking. Inviting a sense of play and creativity into our daily practice is an integral method for reconnecting to ourselves.
Try New Things: 1. Decide that you’re going to commit to a new activity or experience. For example, take a cooking class, join a team, learn a new skill, take a pottery class with a friend, or take out those old watercolour paints you’ve been meaning to play around with. 2. It’s not about the product you create, but more about the process of launching into a creative mindset.
If you’ve ever had days where you questioned your efficacy as a parent, spouse, or friend, you are not alone. Some days it feels hard to stay optimistic, but the truth is that you can be a remarkable parent, family member, spouse, and friend without burning out! If you simply feel overwhelmed and headed toward burnout, think back to the 5 R’s to inspire you to reignite your passion and purpose, tuning back into the fullest expression of who you are and create essential self-care practices that can empower you to show up for your family, colleagues, and friends in a meaningful way without compromising your wellness. For more details about how to handle your anxiety look for From Burnt Out to Fired Up: Reigniting Your Passion for Teaching available on Amazon from November 19, 2021. Morgane Michael has been an elementary school educator
with the Greater Victoria School District in British Columbia, Canada, since 2008. She is a passionate advocate for socialemotional learning, kindness education, and educator wellbeing, and leads professional development initiatives aligned with those themes throughout her province. Find Morgane at smallactbigimpact.com, listen to her KindSight 101 podcast, and follow @smallactbigimpact on Instagram and @ SABI21days on Twitter.
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