WestCoast Families Jan|Feb 2015

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Laura Patrick The Local Guide for Active Urban Families

THE

FUTURE STARTS

HERE january/february 2015

education | family literacy

Jan/Feb 2015

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families westcoast

january/february 2015

• education • family literacy

on our cover...

Kids from the Writers’ Exchange remind us how soon they’ll be high school grads!

Photos by Dylan Doubt www.dylandoubtphotography.com

Education Profile of a Playground

Education School Extension Programs

Education Outdoor Adventures

Education Technological Teaching

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Family Literacy 15 Minutes to Improved Literacy

Family Literacy Put the “Home” back in “Homework”

Family Literacy Writers’Exchange

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32mom westcoast

32 WCM Profile Laura Patrick of Kids Physio

from the editor 6 8 10 22 28

From Our Family to Yours WestCoast Finds Modern Home-ec WCF News Community Calendar

next issue march • Travel & Adventure • Spring Break 4

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Jan/Feb 2015

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from our family to yours

families westcoast

For years I heard about our public school systems in the news: the budget concerns, program cutbacks, school closures, and teacher strikes. Now, my own kids are in the school system and I’ve never been more interested in education.

What I’m finding is more than the negative stories you hear about so often in the news. I’m discovering amazing things: teachers who are innovative and constantly learning, schools that develop their own community programs, specialized schools that give families choices, and a province-wide focus that is turning more towards inquiry-based teaching and social and emotional learning.

I’m finding parents who get involved and support their schools and community organizations that volunteer time and donate money. We have more choices now in the public schools than ever before, and those options are growing each year.

Our system is by no means perfect, but when you stop and look around a little, you can see some amazing things happening. This issue is all about education, and we hope you enjoy reading and learning as much as we did!

westcoastfamilies.com

Managing Editor Andrea Vance editor@westcoastfamilies.com

Published by National Families Network Publisher: Andrea Vance publisher@westcoastfamilies.com

Assistant Editor Kelly S. Thompson kelly@westcoastfamilies.com

For distribution inquiries, please email publisher@westcoastfamilies.com

Contributing Editor Jodi Iverson jodi@westcoastfamilies.com Art Director & Layout Krysta Furioso studio@westcoastfamilies.com Administration Jennifer Bruyns admin@westcoastfamilies.com Accounts Receivable & Payable Jennifer Brule finance@westcoastfamilies.com

Publisher Our advertisers support WestCoast Families magazine, so we can provide you with all this great local information each issue. We’d love it if you supported them in return. And don’t forget to tell them you saw their ad in WestCoast Families!

For submissions to our community calendars, please email admin@westcoastfamilies.com To share your feedback, please email editor@westcoastfamilies.com Contributors Nicole Breit, Jennifer Bruyns, Krysta Furioso, Patty Javier-Gomez, Jodi Iverson, Grady Mitchell, Neil Stephenson, Kelly S. Thompson, Heidi Turner, Andrea Vance All contents copyrighted ©.

Written permission from the publisher is required to reproduce, quote, reprint or copy any material from WestCoast Families

Advertising sales@westcoastfamilies.com 604.249.2866

wcf presents www.childcareoptions.ca/children-the-heart-of-the-matter

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Mailing address: 1215-C56 St. Box 18057 Delta, BC V4L 2M4 T 604 249 2866 | F 604 676 2802

Visit westcoastfamilies.com for our Education Guide, with live weblinks and lots of local resources.

Jan/Feb 2015

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westcoast finds Kodiak Wet/Snow Boots These snazzy booties will keep little toes warm with loads of styles to choose from and tons of fun patterns that will appeal to your little ones. With a strong Canadian tradition, Kodiak has been making the warmest and toughest boots since 1910!

www.kodiakboots.com | $75

Sweet Legs These snazzy one-size-fits-most leggings have tons of colourful patterns to choose from and also carry a plus-sized line. They even have a special line for children that is guaranteed to impress your little one with the selection of styles.

www.sweetlegs.ca | $25

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WestCoastFamilies.com

iPockets by Lisa Make your iPad or iPhone shine with these one-of-a-kind carry cases designed in BC. We love all the amazing colours, patterns, and designs that make your device stand out from the crowd.

www.ipocket.ca | $42

Phantom Glass Panasonic PR- HC800 Headphones Cancel out other bothersome noise when you listen to your music, with the high quality Panasonic HC800. They offer the latest in technology to make sure your music is crystal clear, for when you need to shut out other sounds and have a little escape.

These simple covers for tablets and smartphones make your device baby-proof! It doesn’t smudge, budge or shatter and offers scratch-proof protection, giving parents peace of mind when their little one gets ahold of your most expensive accessories!

www.ptpa.com/product/phantom-glass/ | $40

www.shop.panasonic.com | $240

Jan/Feb 2015

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modern home ec Fuel for Learning Recipes to build brain health

by Patty Javier Gomez, RHN

Getting children into healthy eating habits early allows them to fuel their bodies and brain with nutrients and nourishment instead of being lead down a path of allergies, learning difficulties, and behavioural problems. Now every child’s problems or adversities cannot be solely fixed by a good hearty homemade meal but it is a good place to start.

It is up to us to fill children with all the goodness that nutrition has to offer their growing bodies, although it is a bit unrealistic to think that we can shelter them from all the refined foods the world has to offer. As long as your child is eating a whole foods balanced diet most of the time, their bodies will be able to process all that excess junk food easier, and starting healthy eating habits earlier on encourages healthy habits later in life.

Nutritional deficiency can affect your child’s IQ, learning, concentration, sleep, and behaviour. Although there may be many other factors that affect these areas as well, nutrition is very important to be able to focus and learn efficiently in school. Adding the following foods will help with overall health, mood, and brain function.

Balance blood sugar - Complex carbohydrates like whole grains, veggies, fruits, beans, or lentils take longer to digest than refined carbohydrates. This will release energy into the body more steadily and gradually avoid those sugar highs and lows, which can affect memory, concentration, mood, and overall wellbeing. The more regularly you eat complex carbohydrates, the better your brain works.

Ensure Healthy fats - Our brains are made up of 60% fat, so an intake of healthy fats is very important for overall brain function, especially when your brain is still developing and learning. You can ensure adequate intake of a variety of healthy fats by eating plenty of raw seeds and nuts like flax, hemp, pumpkin, etc. as well as wild salmon two to three times a week, or even supplementing with fish oils.

Iron rich foods - Not having enough iron affects learning, memory and attention. Making sure that iron levels are normal will ensure proper cognitive function and overall health. Foods such as beans, leafy greens, beets, broccoli, and some seafood are great sources of iron.

B Vitamins - B vitamins are vital for rapidly affecting the way your child feels and thinks. We need B vitamins each and every day, as all eight B vitamins have various functions in the brain and nervous system. Eggs, fish, dark green veggies, and whole grains are great sources of this vital vitamin.

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Coconut Banana Smoothie Ingredients r DVQ DPDPOVU NJML r BWPDBEP r UCTQ )FNQ IFBSUT r UCTQ DIJB TFFET r DVQ DPDPOVU XBUFS r CBOBOBT Instructions Mix in blender, serve and enjoy!

Stuffed Zucchini Ingredients r NFEJVN TJ[F [VDDIJOJ r DVQ PG RVJOPB r DVQT XBUFS PS CSPUI r MBSHF )FJSMPPN UPNBUPFT chopped r MFBWFT PG LBMF DIPQQFE r ˜ KBMBQFOP QFQQFS (depending how spicy you like it) r ˜ SFE POJPO DIPQQFE r DMPWFT HBSMJD DSVTIFE r ˜ DVQ PMJWF PJM r DVQ BQQMF DJEFS WJOFHBS r UCTQ -FNPO KVJDF r 4BMU BOE QFQQFS UP UBTUF Instructions 1. Bring quinoa and water/broth to a boil. Turn down heat and let simmer about 10-15 min. Put aside and let cool. $VU [VDDIJOJ JO IBMG BOE TDPPQ PVU UIF NJEEMF XJUI TQPPO *O B CPXM NJY UPHFUIFS RVJOPB LBMF KBMBQFOP QFQQFS UPNBUP POJPO BOE garlic.

4. In a small jar with a lid, add oil, vinegar, and lemon juice. Put lid on jar and shake until mixture is well mixed.

1PVS DVQ PG ESFTTJOH JOUP RVJOPB NJYUVSF BOE NJY UPHFUIFS XFMM Put the rest of dressing in fridge for future meals.

6. Using a spoon, scoop quinoa into zucchini and top off with salt and pepper. #BLF BU EFHSFFT 'BISFOIFJU GPS NJO VOUJM [VDDIJOJ JT TPGU 8. Top off with cheese, yogurt and any other delicious ingredients you like.

Jan/Feb 2015

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education

Profile of a Playground Expired Structures Cost Communities

by Heidi Turner

f

or many parents and their children, public schools and playgrounds go hand in hand, like reading and writing, or peanut butter and jelly. But what many parents don’t realize is that the cost of school playgrounds is not usually covered by the provincial government or their local school district. In fact, costs associated with building or maintaining a playground falls to parents, parent advisory councils, and volunteers. Unfortunately, as many parents learn only when they start to rebuild a playground, playgrounds are not cheap.

5IBU T TPNFUIJOH -FBOOF #BSMPX 5SFBTVSFS PG UIF 1BSFOU "EWJTPSZ $PVODJM 1"$ GPS /PPULB &MFNFOUBSZ 4DIPPM MFBSOFE XIFO UIF 7BODPVWFS 4DIPPM #PBSE JOGPSNFE IFS 1"$ UIBU UIFJS MBSHFTU XPPEFO QMBZHSPVOE XPVME CF UPSO EPXO CFDBVTF JU IBE NFU JUT MJGFTQBO 5IFJS 1"$ TUBSUFE B GVOESBJTJOH committee three years ago to fund the playground replacement.

"DDPSEJOH UP #BSMPX OFU DMJNCFST DBO DPTU CFUXFFO BOE XIJMF B QMBZHSPVOE TUSVDUVSF DBO SVO VQXBSET PG EFQFOEJOH PO UIF EFTJHO *O BMM UIF /PPULB 1"$ NVTU SBJTF BSPVOE UP SFQMBDF JUT playground equipment. i4DIPPM CPBSET EPO U GVOE QMBZHSPVOET UIFZ UBLF UIF QMBZHSPVOET EPXO when they meet their lifespan,� Barlow says. “We have to work through 7BODPVWFS 4DIPPM #PBSE QPMJDJFT CFDBVTF XF SF CPVOE CZ UIFN CVU JU T VQ to parents to plan, design, and fundraise for these playgrounds.�

It might be surprising to learn that playgrounds have a lifespan, but Patti #BDDIVT $IBJSQFSTPO PG UIF 7BODPVWFS #PBSE PG &EVDBUJPO TBZT UIFSF BSF safety issues with aging playgrounds, and those issues require maintenance and funding.â&#x20AC;? In my experience, there are some safety issues with older playground equipment, where they cannot be further maintained or SFQBJSFE CFDBVTF PG MJBCJMJUZ PS CFDBVTF UIFZ EP OPU NFFU $4" <$BOBEJBO 4UBOEBSET "TTPDJBUJPO> HVJEFMJOFT GPS QMBZHSPVOET u #BDDIVT TBZT i4PNF BSF old and reach the end of their lifespan, or contain materials that are not considered appropriate any more for a playground. When they reach the end of their lifespan, they are considered unsafe.â&#x20AC;?

5IF 7BODPVWFS 4DIPPM #PBSE T QPMJDZ DPODFSOJOH QMBZHSPVOET TUBUFT i"T capital funding for these projects is not available through the Ministry of Education, all associated costs for these projects must be borne by schools.

5IJT JODMVEFT FRVJQNFOU DPTUT UIF 74# #PBSE TVQQMZ BOE JOTUBMMBUJPO PG UIF SFTJMJFOU HSPVOE DPWFS 74# #PBSE MBCPVS JOTUBMMBUJPO DPTUT BOE PO HPJOH 74# #PBSE NBJOUFOBODF DPTUT u 8JUIJO UIF 7BODPVWFS 4DIPPM %JTUSJDU UIFSF BSF TUJMM BQQSPYJNBUFMZ playgrounds that must be removed or replaced. Of those, seven already have FRVJQNFOU QVSDIBTFE BOE JOTUBMMBUJPO EBUFT TFU 0ODF UIF SFNBJOJOH XPPEFO QMBZHSPVOET BSF SFQMBDFE BMM 7BODPVWFS 4DIPPM #PBSE QMBZHSPVOET XJMM BEIFSF UP UIF $4" SFHVMBUJPOT i*U T B DSJTJT GPS PVS TDIPPMT u #BSMPX TBZT i8F SF OPU BMPOF JO IBWJOH PVS TUSVDUVSF DPNF EPXO " IVHF OVNCFS PG schools are slated to have playgrounds torn down.â&#x20AC;?

7BODPVWFS 4DIPPM %JTUSJDU JT UZQJDBM JO OPU GVOEJOH QMBZ TUSVDUVSF replacements. Fundraising for school playgrounds is an issue across the -PXFS .BJOMBOE XJUI NBOZ TDIPPMT UVSOJOH UP PVUTJEF GVOEJOH TPVSDFT 1BSFOUT BU /PSUI 0UUFS &MFNFOUBSZ JO -BOHMFZ BSF GVOESBJTJOH UP SFQMBDF B decommissioned playground, according to Global News, while the Maple Ridge Times reported in October that Golden Ears Elementary successfully installed a new playground after four years of fundraising. Meanwhile, "CCPUTGPSE 4DIPPM %JTUSJDU OPUFT PO JUT XFCTJUF UIBU GVOEJOH GPS QMBZHSPVOE

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development may come from local parent initiatives, local community service organizations, the Ministry of Education or school fundraising. #BDDIVT TBZT EP[FOT PG QMBZHSPVOET JO 7BODPVWFS BSF FYQFDUFE UP FYQJSF in the next few years, with the costs to fix or replace the structures varying XJEFMZ )PX QBSFOUT ĂąOE UIBU GVOEJOH JT VQ UP UIF 1"$ CVU #BSMPX TBZT JU T not easy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just do bake sales, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just get the money from QBSFOUT u #BSMPX TBZT i*U T OPU GBJS UP CVSEFO UIFN 7PMVOUFFSJTN JO TDIPPM JT difficult, because there is a limited parent base. There are time challenges GPS QBSFOUT 4PNF FBTU TJEF JOOFS DJUZ TDIPPMT HFU BO JOĂłVY PG GVOEJOH 8F SF not in a high income tax parent bracket; weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in-between. Our parents are working hard to keep the houses they have, but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not seen as desperate need, so weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not a funding priority.â&#x20AC;?

"NPOH GVOESBJTJOH JOJUJBUJWFT BSF HSBOU BQQMJDBUJPOT ĂąOBODJOH UISPVHI QSPHSBNT TVDI BT "7*7" BOE MBSHF TDBMF GVOESBJTFST JODMVEJOH DBSOJWBMT BOE community outreach. The problem, Barlow points out, is that fundraising for playgrounds is done by parents who tend not be professional fundraisers and often have full-time jobs and families to focus on. Fundraising is another draw on their already stretched schedules. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Playgrounds should be funded by the Ministry of Education,â&#x20AC;? Bacchus says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They occasionally come forward, but not consistently. With so many children growing up without outdoor spaces to play in, school playgrounds are a great way to provide them with UIBU BOE UIFZ DBO CF VTFE GPS EBZT B ZFBS XJUI MPX PQFSBUJOH DPTUT while keeping kids active and safe.â&#x20AC;?

4P GBS IPXFWFS UIF QSPWJODF T GVOEJOH GPS QMBZHSPVOET IBT CFFO TQPSBEJD BU CFTU *O UIF QSPWJODF BOOPVODFE JU XPVME TQFOE NJMMJPO UP GVOE 44 new playgrounds and updates across BC. Bacchus notes that although the Ministry of Education occasionally provides funding support, it does not do so consistently. In the meantime, it is up to the parents to volunteer their time and, possibly, their money to ensure playgrounds can be rebuilt. i"T B QBSFOU ZPV BTTVNF UIBU XIBU T PO TDIPPM QSPQFSUZ JT PXOFE CZ UIF 7BODPVWFS 4DIPPM #PBSE u #BSMPX TBZT i* XPVME OFWFS IBWF DPOTJEFSFE UIBU outdoor play is not part of our schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to children. Obesity is on the rise; children donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have trees in backyards to play on. These are foundational years to build a healthy approach for our children.â&#x20AC;?

Parents at Nootka Elementary have attempted to branch out, offering playground passports to the local community and seeking community involvement in fundraising. One of the biggest hurdles, though, might be in raising awareness that not only are playgrounds not funded by the school district, there is a significant cost associated with repairing or replacing them and communities and schools must work together to keep our children active and healthy.

Jan/Feb 2015 13

education

School Extension Programs Enrich Your Childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Education

by Nicole Breit

d

oes your child possess an aptitude for sports, art, or math, or demonstrate a high level of creativity? If so, he or she may qualify for an enrichment program through the BC public school system.

" OVNCFS PG TDIPPM EJTUSJDUT JO #$ PĂ­FS QSPHSBNT EFTJHOFE GPS TUVEFOUT XJUI special skills and interests. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a quick look at a number of enrichment QSPHSBNT PĂ­FSFE JO -PXFS .BJOMBOE QVCMJD TDIPPMT BOE JOGP PO IPX UP apply.

Deltaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;STRETCHâ&#x20AC;? Program 1SPHSBN #BTJDT "O FOSJDINFOU PQQPSUVOJUZ GPS TUVEFOUT XJUI BO BQUJUVEF GPS BSU XSJUJOH TDJFODF PS NBUI 4UVEFOUT NFFU JO NVMUJ BHF HSPVQJOHT FJHIU to ten times a year to complete a unique program of study. â&#x20AC;&#x153;High ceilingâ&#x20AC;? activities, problem and project-based learning methodologies, and homebased activities encourage students to â&#x20AC;&#x153;stretchâ&#x20AC;? their learning. This year, a HSPVQ PG 8SJUF4USFUDI TUVEFOUT BSF QBSUJDJQBUJOH JO BO i"UXPPE 4BMPOu XIJMF UIFJS .BUI4USFUDI QFFST DPNQMFUF B i(BMJMFP MBCu 8IP JT FMJHJCMF 5IF NBUI TDJFODF BOE BSU 453&5$) QSPHSBNT CFHJO JO HSBEF ĂąWF HJGUFE XSJUFST DBO QBSUJDJQBUF GSPN HSBEFT UXP UISPVHI 5IF application process takes place each spring.

Abbotsford Sports Academies 1SPHSBN #BTJDT "O FMJUF QSPHSBN EFTJHOFE UP OVSUVSF BDBEFNJD FYDFMMFODF BOE IFMQ TUVEFOUT GVMĂąMM UIFJS BUIMFUJD ESFBNT 4UVEFOUT QBSUJDJQBUF JO B combination of high performance training and skill development with professional coaches during school hours.

Who is eligible? Middle and secondary students with a passion for soccer, CBTFCBMM TPGUCBMM IPDLFZ PS HPMG " GPSNBM BQQMJDBUJPO BOE NPOUIMZ GFFT are required. www.sd34.bc.ca/programs/sports-academies

www.deltalearns.ca/gifted

West Vancouverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iDEC Program

Vancouverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GOLD Program

1SPHSBN #BTJDT 5IF *ORVJSZ CBTFE %JHJUBMMZ &OIBODFE $PNNVOJUZ QSPHSBN at Caulfeild Elementary embeds technology in the classroom to support MFBSOJOH BOE BTTFTTNFOU QSPDFTTFT 4UBSUJOH JO LJOEFSHBSUFO TUVEFOUT VTF BHF BQQSPQSJBUF EJHJUBM UPPMT JODMVEJOH 4."35 #PBSET J1BET BOE MBQUPQT

Program Basics: This alternative program for twice exceptional secondary school students (intellectually gifted with a learning disability) is offered BU 1SJODF PG 8BMFT BOE %BWJE 5IPNQTPO 4FDPOEBSZ 4DIPPMT 4UVEFOUT develop a positive self-concept by understanding their unique strengths and difficulties, and learn strategies to succeed at school.

Who is eligible? Kindergarten through to grade seven students. Because this is a program of choice, priority is given to students living within catchment boundaries.

8IP JT FMJHJCMF 4UVEFOUT JO HSBEFT FJHIU UP OJOF XIP NFFU UIF EFĂąOJUJPO PG B (JGUFE -FBSOJOH %JTBCMFE 4UVEFOU 3FGFSSBM JT NBEF UISPVHI B TDSFFOJOH committee by the annual January deadline.

www.sd45.bc.ca/ps/idec/index.html

Contact info@vsb.bc.ca

Burnabyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Advanced Learners

How To Apply For Extension Programs

1SPHSBN #BTJDT 5IF .VMUJ "HFE $MVTUFS $MBTT JT BO JOUFSEJTDJQMJOBSZ JORVJSZ CBTFE QSPHSBN CBTFE BU $BQJUPM )JMM &MFNFOUBSZ 4DIPPM 5IF IPMJTUJD NPEFM builds on the core school curriculum with a strong focus on forging connections within and beyond each discipline, to the self and society.

4UVEFOUT BSF UZQJDBMMZ OPNJOBUFE CZ UIFJS UFBDIFS GPS FOSJDINFOU QSPHSBNT XJUI JOQVU GSPN QBSFOUT UIF TUVEFOU BOE UIF TDIPPM CBTFE UFBN " GPSNBM application process is then required, and in some cases additional steps, such as a test and/or interview, must be completed.

Who is eligible? Grades four through to grades seven students may apply. " DPHOJUJWF TDSFFOJOH BTTFTTNFOU BOE JOUFSWJFX BSF SFRVJSFE

How Parents Can Help Extend Their Childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Learning

Contact Jennifer.Carson@sd41.bc.ca.

Outside of school, you can support your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special interests by:

Richmondâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Math Circle

¡ Nurturing curiosity. When your child asks a question, explore the answer together or direct your child to a resource.

1SPHSBN #BTJDT "O FOSJDINFOU PQQPSUVOJUZ GPS HSBEFT GPVS UP TFWFO TUVEFOUT XIP TIPX QSPĂąDJFODZ BOE QBTTJPO GPS NBUI 4UVEFOUT BSF QSPWJEFE with advanced lessons and extra work one to two times a week to tackle at school and at home.

8IP JT FMJHJCMF 4UVEFOUT PG )BNJMUPO &MFNFOUBSZ 4DIPPM BSF OPNJOBUFE GPS Math Circle by their teachers. Permission and information letters are sent home to parents at the start of the program.

Contact (604) 668-6000.

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¡ Taking â&#x20AC;&#x153;field tripsâ&#x20AC;? to museums, libraries, art galleries, musical performances, and sports events to fuel their desire to keep exploring. p (JWJOH UIFN EPXO UJNF UP SFTU EBZESFBN BOE IBWF GVO " MJUUMF CJU PG â&#x20AC;&#x153;boredomâ&#x20AC;? can stimulate free creative play, and develop independence so kids stop asking, â&#x20AC;&#x153;What do I do now?â&#x20AC;?

5IJT JT KVTU B TBNQMF PG FYUFOTJPO QSPHSBNT PĂ­FSFE JO -PXFS .BJOMBOE schools. Check with your school district to see what is available.

Jan/Feb 2015 15

education

Outdoor Education Learning from Mother Earth

by Kelly S. Thompson

h

FSF JO UIF -PXFS .BJOMBOE XF IBWF FOEMFTT PĂ­FSJOHT PG PVUEPPS activities and exploration. Mountains and lakes, oceans and valleys; we have it all! Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a wealth of information to be gleaned from the great outdoors and spending time in the open air is excellent for health and wellbeing, especially for children who are constantly developing and growing.

These days, education is moving outdoors, with several schools and districts offering outdoor programming to expand and extend (or sometimes, replace!) current educational methods. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve rounded up a few of our favourite and interesting outdoor educational programs just ready to teach your little one about the great, wild world.

Fresh Air Learning )FMQ ZPVS MJUUMF POFT FYQMPSF GSFTI BJS XJUI 'SFTI "JS -FBSOJOH 5IFZ PĂ­FS UPQ OPUDI PVUEPPS FEVDBUJPO GPS LJET BHFE GPS LJET FOSPMMFE JO UIF /FX 8FTUNJOTUFS 4DIPPM %JTUSJDU 5IJT OBUVSF CBTFE QSPHSBN FODPVSBHFT children to explore the outdoors and learn all they can from Mother Earth, while simultaneously expanding their minds and resources for learning.

4UVEFOUT QBSUJDJQBUF JO UIF QSPHSBN UXJDF QFS XFFL EVSJOH UIF TDIPPM year, using play, exploration and instruction from educators to learn about forests, farms and the impact of the outdoors on the world and themselves BT JOEJWJEVBMT 5FBDIFST XIP XPSL GPS 'SFTI "JS -FBSOJOH BSF DFSUJĂąFE TP parents can be sure that the program is an excellent supplement to their DIJME T DVSSFOU FEVDBUJPO 'SFTI "JS -FBSOJOH JT BMTP JO QBSUOFSTIJQ XJUI *TMBOE %JTDPWFSZ QSPHSBN UP PĂ­FS BO FMFNFOUBSZ QSPHSBN GPS TDIPPM BHFE home learners. www.freshairlearning.org

The Environmental School Project %JTUSJDU JO .BQMF 3JEHF BOE 1JU .FBEPXT IBT B DVUUJOH FEHF QSPHSBN JO UIFJS &OWJSPONFOUBM 4DIPPM 1SPKFDU XIJDI IBT CFFO UBLJOH DIJMESFO PVUEPPST GPS B VOJRVF FEVDBUJPOBM FYQFSJFODF TJODF 5IF QSPHSBN JT JO QBSUOFSTIJQ XJUI 4JNPO 'SBTFS 6OJWFSTJUZ TP UIBU FEVDBUJPO BOE SFTFBSDI DBO CF CMFOEFE JOUP POF GBOUBTUJD PVUEPPS TDIPPM QSPHSBN 4UVEFOUT JO kindergarten to grade seven participate in learning that is â&#x20AC;&#x153;place-based, imaginative and ecological,â&#x20AC;? in nature, showing children how nature influences the world and how to apply outdoor-based knowledge to everyday life. Qualified teachers have learned how to use the outdoors as

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a educational tool that allows children to immerse themselves in outdoor culture and forge new friendships and experiences while learning about our rich ecological culture. www.es.sd42.ca

The Urban Seed Project 'PS B NPSF PDDBTJPOBM TDIPPM PVUEPPS QSPHSBN DIFDL PVU UIF 4USBUIDPOB 6SCBO 4FFE 1SPKFDU XIJDI TFFLT UP FEVDBUJPO JO JOOFS DJUZ TDIPPMT community centres and more. The project seeks to teach children where their food come from and shows them how to make sustainable food gardens that they maintain and care for. This unique experience gives children endless learning opportunities, through plant-based science, nature awareness and more. Children also learn how to give back to the community and participate in a project that unites an entire community. One Urban 4FFE QSPKFDU TBX B WFSUJDBM GPPE XBMM DPNQMFUFE JO 7BODPVWFS T EPXOUPXO east side, which provides fresh food to the low-income neighbourhood.

Kids will learn while giving back to their community! www.strathcona1890.com

TREK Outdoor Education Program For a truly immersive outdoor education, look no further than the TREK QSPHSBN PGGFSFE BU 1SJODF PG 8BMFT 4FDPOEBSZ 4DIPPM TUVEFOUT participate each year for the duration of their grade 10 school year, allowing teens to achieve all of their education credits while learning outdoor skills and practical, applicable knowledge for their futures. Teens will learn through outdoor activities, field studies and trips, and occasional academic classroom learning. While exploring outside, activities include kayaking, hiking, skiing

and climbing, just to name a few! Kids will develop a new sense of confidence and understanding of the outdoors while also gaining practical skills that they will apply for years to come. TREK also builds self-esteem, as teens learn to care for themselves in the outdoors, while also honing their comprehension of teamwork as they forge new friendships. www.vsb.bc.ca/programs/trek-program-prince-wales

Outdoor School at Cheakamus Centre

visit us online

westcoastfamilies.com

This short-term program offers students and teachers an exploration of the MJWFT PG 'JSTU /BUJPOT QFPQMFT 4UVEFOUT JO HSBEFT UBLF QBSU JO TFWFSBM EBZ programs at Cheakamus Centre and explore indoor and outdoor education with guided visits to places like the salmon hatchery, farms, the forest and more.

4UVEFOUT OPU POMZ MFBSO BCPVU UIF OBUVSBM XPSME CVU BMTP IPOF DPNNVOJDBUJPO TLJMMT BOE CVJME OFX GSJFOETIJQT UP MBTU B MJGFUJNF 5IJT IBOET PO 0VUEPPS 4DIPPM is a great experience for students and teachers alike to learn about First Nations culture as well as nature knowledge. www.cheakamuscentre.ca

Sierra Club BC 5IF $PBTUBM 'JSTU /BUJPOT 5VSOJOH 1PJOU *OJUJBUJWF 4JFSSB $MVC #$ BOE UIF Centre for Non-Timber Resources at Royal Roads University have partnered to offer different educational programming in schools for kindergarten to HSBEF FJHIU 4UVEFOUT MFBSO BOE FYQMPSF UISPVHI IBOET PO QSPHSBNT JO UIF outdoors, learning about natural history and the rich world of the west coast.

4DIPPMT QBSUJDJQBUF XJUI UIF 4JFSSB $MVC XIP IBT DPPSEJOBUFE XJUI UIF MPDBM curriculum to supplement in-class learning with education on ecosystems, human relationships with nature, and respect for the environment. www.sierraclub.bc.ca 4P JG ZPVS DIJME JT JOUFSFTUFE JO UIF PVUEPPST MPPL JOUP TPNF PG UIF FYDFMMFOU PVUEPPS CBTFE MFBSOJOH QSPHSBNT BWBJMBCMF JO UIF -PXFS .BJOMBOE

Jan/Feb 2015 17

education

Technological Teaching How Technology is Influencing New Education Methods

by Neil Stephenson

i

t’s a fascinating time to be involved in education, as many emerging trends, technologies and ways to engage students are being developed and shared by teachers across the world. While there are many changes and new ideas influencing today’s classrooms, here are three currently influencing my work.

A Focus on Thinking In BC, we are in the early stages of a new curriculum, and like other provinces, this new curriculum is designed to put more emphasis on the process of learning through students exploring bigger concepts and ideas. While the learning of foundation skills and literacies is still crucial to student success, the new BC curriculum has reduced the number of specific outcomes in order to provide more time and space for teachers and students to gain depth in their learning. In addition, the new BC curriculum has more of a focus on developing student thinking skills, accomplished through an emphasis on critical and creative thinking.

18 WestCoastFamilies.com

Supporting at home: The simplest way to support student thinking is also the lowest cost—ask questions and model curiosity at home! Get in a habit of sitting alongside your child as they are engaged in something they are interested in, and ask questions that get them thinking. From a recent Edutopia blog post, (www. edutopia.org/blog/five-powerful-questions-teachers-ask-students-rebeccaalber) here are five great questions to ask students: What do you think? Why do you think that? How do you know this? Can you tell me more? What other questions do you have?

"OPUIFS HSFBU SFTPVSDF GPS IFMQJOH TUVEFOUT EFWFMPQ UIFJS PXO RVFTUJPOT JT the “Right Question Institute” (www.rightquestion.org/). The Right Question Institute (RQI) is an organization that assists people in learning to ask better questions. RQI was not designed originally for teachers and schools, but for parents who were struggling to ask the right questions to acquire the social service supports they needed. It was only after working with parents for a few years, working out the best way to support the design of good questions, that the RQI began using their techniques with teachers and students.

With that in mind, the RQI website has some great free resources and strategies for helping people ask better questions. I have used this in my work with TDIPPMT BOE UIFSF BSF UFBDIFST JO %FMUB XIP IBWF CFHVO VTJOH JU JO DMBTTSPPNT with positive results. The RQI resources would be helpful to use at home with your child, perhaps as they are working on a school research project or even wrestling with a tough decision in their own lives.

STEM Education 0OF PG DVSSFOU USFOET JO FEVDBUJPO JT 45&. 4DJFODF 5FDIOPMPHZ &OHJOFFSJOH BOE .BUIFNBUJDT &EVDBUJPO 5IJT DPODFQU FNFSHFE JO UIF 64 JO UIF T BOE has become popular in the last few years due to a number of factors, including a MBDL PG TUVEFOUT QVSTVJOH QPTU TFDPOEBSZ EFHSFFT JO 45&. BSFBT BO VOCBMBODF JO UIF OVNCFS PG GFNBMFT TUVEFOUT DIPPTJOH 45&. DBSFFST BOE B ESPQ PĂ­ JO TUVEFOU FOHBHFNFOU JO 45&. DMBTTFT TUBSUJOH BSPVOE HSBEFT GPVS BOE ĂąWF While these individual subject areas currently exist in our schools, there are a GFX LFZ JEFBT CFIJOE UIF OFX FNFSHFODF PG 45&. FEVDBUJPO 4VCKFDU BSFBT BSF JOUFHSBUFE PGUFO JO QSPKFDUT UP IFMQ TUVEFOUT TFF UIF DPOOFDUJPOT CFUXFFO 4DJFODF 5FDIOPMPHZ &OHJOFFSJOH BOE .BUIFNBUJDT -FBSOJOH JT EFTJHOFE BSPVOE QSBDUJDBM BQQMJDBUJPO BT TUVEFOUT VTF UIF knowledge and skills they have learned to solve problems or challenges. " DPMMBCPSBUJWF GPDVT XIFSF TUVEFOUT BSF XPSLJOH JO HSPVQT UP TPMWF problems.

"O JODSFBTFE FNQIBTJT PO JOWFOUJWFOFTT DSFBUJWJUZ SJTL UBLJOH BOE UIF development of student disposition toward idea improvement.

0OF PG UIF QMBDFT XIFSF 45&. FEVDBUJPO IBT CFFO QPQVMBSJ[FE PWFS UIF MBTU GFX ZFBST JT DPNQVUFS QSPHSBNNJOH PS DPEJOH "T BO JODSFBTJOH OVNCFS PG jobs require greater technology fluency, many feel that having computer programming awareness is a key literacy for todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s students. This has lead to the support of many music and movie stars using their reputation to encourage students to learn these skills. The most popular example is the XFCTJUF XXX DPEF PSH -BVODIFE JO UIJT TJUF JOUSPEVDFT UIF CBTJDT of computer science and programming to students of all ages in fun and engaging ways. Code.org has also launched â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hour of Code,â&#x20AC;? (www.hourofcode. com) a campaign to encourage teachers to introduce coding and computer TDJFODF JOUP UIFJS DMBTTSPPNT " OVNCFS PG PVS %FMUB UFBDIFST QBSUJDJQBUFE JO the Hour of Code over the last two years.

For those interested, there are a number great websites and tools for students to develop computer programming skills, even starting at a young age.

-BVODIFE JO 4DSBUDI TDSBUDI NJU FEV XBT EFWFMPQFE CZ .*5 BT B GSFF UPPM for teaching the logical thinking necessary for computer science as student CVJME BOJNBUJPOT TJNVMBUJPOT BOE WJEFP HBNFT 3FDFOUMZ .*5 MBVODIFE 4DSBUDI +S B GSFF J1BE BEE WFSTJPO PG UIF TBNF TPGUXBSF " TJNJMBS GSFF J1BE BQQ UIBU teaches the basics of computer programming is Hopscotch.

The Maker Movement "OPUIFS QPQVMBS USFOE SVOOJOH QBSBMMFM XJUI 45&. FEVDBUJPO JT UIF iNBLFS movement.â&#x20AC;? The Maker movement is a contemporary do-it-yourself culture, complete with the emergence of websites, magazines, and conferences dedicated to amateur tinkering, designing, and building. This movement IBT MFE UP UIF DSFBUJPO PG i.BLFS4QBDFTu JO DJUJFT BDSPTT /PSUI "NFSJDB .BLFS4QBDFT BSF XBSFIPVTF UZQF TQBDFT ĂąMMFE XJUI B SBOHF PG FMFDUSPOJDT SPCPUJDT % QSJOUFST BOE PUIFS NBLFS UPPMT XIFSF NFNCFSTIJQT BSF BWBJMBCMF for the public to drop in to invent, create, and build.

There are number of common tools and technologies that are at the heart of the maker movement, many of which are low cost enough to be purchased GPS IPNF VTF "SEVJOP XXX BSEVJOP DD JT B XJEFMZ QPQVMBS FBTZ UP VTF electronics platform designed for creating simple computers and other JOUFSBDUJWF PCKFDUT "SEVJOPT BSF DPNQSJTFE PG B CBTJD DJSDVJU CPBSE BOE B XJEF WBSJFUZ PG TFOTPST MJHIUT TXJUDIFT BOE -&% TDSFFOT "SVEVJOPT BSF DPOUSPMMFE by a simple programming language, allowing for the limitless creativity and JOWFOUJWFOFTT GPS TUVEFOUT 5IFSF JT B MBSHF POMJOF DPNNVOJUZ GPS "SEVJOP VTFST providing students with inspiration, design ideas, and technical support. Other NBLFS UPPMT EFTJHOFE GPS ZPVOH TUVEFOUT DBO CF DPNCJOFE XJUI "SEVJOPT TVDI BT 4RVJTIZ $JSDVJUT XXX NBLFSTIFE DPN QSPEVDUT TRVJTIZ DJSDVJUT LJU

for learning the basics of circuits and MakeyMakey (www.makeymakey.com) for students to experiment with different input devices for their electronic creations. *O UIF %FMUB 4DIPPM %JTUSJDU XF BSF FYDJUFE BCPVU UIF QPTTJCJMJUJFT GPS FEVDBUJPO in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world. We are striving to provide students with experiences that are relevant and purposeful, while at the same time, honouring what we know works. One of the challenges for those of us in education is to strive to find balance between the best of what is currently working for students and the exciting possibilities that are opening up new ways to engage students and inspire them to be curious, life-long learners.

Neil Stephenson, District Principal of Innovation and Inquiry, Delta School District See examples of Inspired Learning at: www.deltalearns.ca/180daysoflearning.

Follow Neil on twitter: @neilstephenson

Jan/Feb 2015 19

literacy

Family Literacy 15 Minutes Is all it Takes to Improve Literacy Skills

a

fter a long day at school, the last thing most kids want to do is learn at home. But the benefits of learning as a family outside the classroom are huge â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not only are children exposed to a culture of lifelong learning, but the bond between parent and child can grow with each teachable moment.

Finding time to set aside to learn as a family can be difficult, but all you OFFE JT NJOVUFT B EBZ UP SFBQ UIF CFOFĂąUT *O IPOPVS PG 'BNJMZ -JUFSBDZ %BZ T UI "OOJWFSTBSZ XIJDI UBLFT QMBDF BDSPTT $BOBEB CFMPX BSF ĂąWF learning activities parents can do with their children in less than 15 minutes:

4. Bake some cookies! Most recipes are less than 15 minutes and measuring ingredients helps children understand math and numbers.

1. Read a book aloud together. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s books are usually short and are a breeze to get through in 15 minutes.

5. Go for a walk as a family and read the street signs. You can even think of a city or country that begins with the same letter as the sign.

)FBEJOH PVU PO B MPOH SPBE USJQ UP (SBOENB T IPVTF $PVOU IPX NBOZ red cars you see along the way, or find the whole alphabet using license plates and billboards.

While we may not think of it, most of the time spent together at home can be a learning opportunity between you and your child. Even time spent doing the dishes, eating dinner or having a bath can all easily have a focus on learning in a fun way.

4JOH B TPOH 4JOHJOH FODPVSBHFT MFBSOJOH QBUUFSOT PG XPSET SIZNFT BOE rhythms, and is strongly connected to language skills.

20 WestCoastFamilies.com

5P ĂąOE PVU IPX ZPVS GBNJMZ DBO IBWF .JOVUFT PG 'VO GPS 'BNJMZ -JUFSBDZ EBZ WJTJU XXX 'BNJMZ-JUFSBDZ%BZ DB

literacy

Put the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Homeâ&#x20AC;? Back in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Homeworkâ&#x20AC;?

Literacy tips for your little ones

h

omework is a key part of your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important that they not only complete it, but also understand what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve MFBSOFE 4UVEJFT TIPX UIBU DIJMESFO T BDIJFWFNFOUT JO TDIPPM JNQSPWF XJUI JODSFBTFE QBSFOU JOWPMWFNFOU JO FEVDBUJPO 4P HFU involved in your kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; schoolworkâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;you might even learn something new too! "#$ -JGF -JUFSBDZ $BOBEB PĂ­FST UJQT PO IPX UP NBLF IPNFXPSL QBSU PG your daily routine: %FWFMPQ B EBJMZ SPVUJOF CZ TFUUJOH BTJEF B TQFDJĂąD UJNF FBDI EBZ FWFOJOH for homework.

1SPWJEF B RVJFU XFMM MJU QMBDF XJUI CBTJD TDIPPM TVQQMJFT 6OEFSTUBOE ZPVS DIJME T TUZMF PG MFBSOJOHmUIJT XJMM IFMQ ZPV EFWFMPQ B personalized homework plan for your child.

4. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not uncommon for kids to get overwhelmed with big assignments or projects. Help them break the project down into smaller steps. Work on pieces throughout the week and do the hard part on the weekend.

5. Talk with your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teacher and be aware of their method of teaching.

Help your child by using familiar terms and examples. %PO U SFTFSWF MFBSOJOH UP IPNFXPSL IPVS .BLF MFBSOJOH B QBSU PG EBJMZ life.

7. If your child gets frustrated or distracted with their homework, allow them to take a short break. If this frustration continues, talk with your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teacher to determine if a tutor might be needed.

8. To reinforce comprehension and memory skills, take 10 minutes to talk about the stories youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve read together.

4IPX ZPVS DIJME UIBU UIF TLJMMT UIFZ BSF MFBSOJOH SFMBUF UP SFBM MJGF *G ZPVS child is learning math, for example, balance your cheque book or have them count out change for you.

10. Teach your child to be independent. Offer to help them with difficult homework challenges, but then let them complete the remainder on their own.

'PS PUIFS GBNJMZ MJUFSBDZ UJQT BOE BDUJWJUJFT WJTJU XXX 'BNJMZ-JUFSBDZ%BZ DB

Jan/Feb 2015 21

wcf news >> Healthy Living Grants

>> ePACT App

Parents want nothing more than healthy children and cultivating proper healthy living tools needs to be done both at home and at school so that positive habits are EFWFMPQFE FBSMZ PO )FBMUIZ -JWJOH (SBOUT IBWF CFFO created to encourage healthy lifestyle choices and education throughout schools. Organizations, schools or students can apply with a plan, idea, or program that is aimed at benefitting wellness and active, healthy choices through education and awareness. The grants also encourage teamwork and society participation, helping children work together towards healthy learning JOJUJBUJWFT )FBMUIZ -JWJOH (SBOUT TVQQPSU WBSJPVT MFWFMT PG the school community and are complementary to each other as they all help foster healthier school communities.

Grant opportunities include student-level grants through UIF #$ 4UVEFOU )FBMUIZ -JWJOH /FUXPSL )FBMUIZ 4DIPPMT /FUXPSL HSBOUT GPS TDIPPMT 4DIPPM %JTUSJDU (SBOUT BOE Northern Connections Grants. Go online and apply today and encourage schools and classrooms to get involved.

Whether we like it or not, emergencies happen and we all need to be prepared to take action at a momentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s notice.

However, we also know that filling out emergency forms can be tedious and is also extremely wasteful of paper. With over QBQFS FNFSHFODZ GPSNT ĂąMMFE PVU JO /PSUI "NFSJDB each year, this creates plenty of documents to be managed be various organizations. Regardless, each time your child starts a new sport or goes to a new daycare or school, there are new emergency notification forms that must be filled with info such as allergies, contacts and doctor information. Thankfully, the F1"$5 /FUXPSL IBT DSFBUFE B GSFF NPCJMF QIPOF "QQ UIBU BMMPXT families to input all their information one time and easily share it, similar to social media, with other organizations. Worried your QBSUOFS PSHBOJ[BUJPO EPFTO U IBWF F1"$5 /P GFBST 4JNQMZ QSJOU a customized form from your computer with all your pre-filled JOGP i5IF TBGFUZ PG PVS QMBZFST JT PVS ĂąSTU QSJPSJUZ BOE XJUI F1"$5 XF BSF LFQU VQ UP EBUF PO UIFJS health records and are better connected to their personal support networks of family and friendsâ&#x20AC;?

TBZT /BOBJNP .JOPS )PDLFZ 3JTL .BOBHFS .JLF 4FYUPO 'BNJMJFT DBO BMTP VTF UIF "QQ UP LFFQ JO UPVDI EVSJOH B DSJTJT ,FFQ ZPVS GBNJMZ T FNFSHFODZ JOGP BU ZPVS ĂąOHFSUJQT XJUI F1"$5

www.healthyschoolsbc.ca

www.epactnetwork.com

22 WestCoastFamilies.com

>> Pink Shirt Day Created by the CKNW Orphanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fund, annual 1JOL 4IJSU %BZ JT PO 'FCSVBSZ 5IF movement seeks to eliminate and raise awareness of bullying by uniting the world in wearing pink shirts, running bullying education programs, and teaching children to be compassionate and DBSJOH JOEJWJEVBMT *O NPSF UIBO was raised for the CKNW Orphanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fund in partnership with other local organizations who are also seeking to eliminate bullying through UIFJS PXO QSPHSBNNJOH 1JOL 4IJSU %BZ JTO U KVTU about raising bullying awareness, as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also about kindness and the impact that this can make on the MJWFT PG PUIFST 4NBMM HFOFSPTJUJFT BOE LJOEOFTT IBT a snowball effect and makes all of us more loving BOE FNQBUIFUJD 7JTJU UIF XFCTJUF CFMPX UP NBLF B donation, download a poster for your school or to help raise awareness in your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s school today!

www.pinkshirtday.ca

>> #ScreensOffDelta Unplug and Connect 8JUI -JUFSBDZ %BZ PO +BOVBSZ UI XIFSF families are encouraged to spend 15 minutes a day reading, literacy is on the forefront of our minds. Technology comes with endless ways to access content, however, tablets, phones and computers also can distract and detract from books in their truest form and can affect face-to-face family time. The city PG %FMUB JT VTJOH UIF IBTUBH 4DSFFOT0Ă­%FMUB to encourage families to turn off all screens for a whole hour to focus on reading in their homes and engaging with their children on literacy and education. Check out their website to participate in challenges and social media awareness. Participate as a family and win some awesome prizes!

www.screensoffdelta.wordpress.com/ about/

Jan/Feb 2015 23

mom westcoast

Laura Patrick Kids Physio

By Kelly S. Thompson | Photo by Dylan Doubt

24 WestCoastFamilies.com

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can be a business owner and a mom.

I just had to tap into the community.â&#x20AC;?

a

helped me realize that I am not the business. I am the founder, but by stepping BXBZ * IBE UP TFF UIBU NZ WJTJPO UP IFMQ LJET u TBZT -BVSB i* DBO CF B CVTJOFTT owner and a mom. I just had to tap into the community. I call them MomQSFOFVST u 8JUI UIF TVQQPSU PG IFS IVTCBOE BOE UIF '8& -BVSB PQFOFE IFS ĂąSTU ,JET 1IZTJP JO BOE UPEBZ UIFSF BSF MPDBUJPOT JO /PSUI 7BODPVWFS BOE 4VSSFZ i* QJDLFE UIF '8& XPNFO T CSBJOT UP ĂąHVSF PVU XIBU TZTUFNT * OFFEFE to have in place to help me look after my baby and go back to work,â&#x20AC;? she says.

T TIF QVUUFST BSPVOE UIF 'SBTFS 4USFFU ,JET 1IZTJP MPDBUJPO -BVSB Patrick seems completely at ease in the business she has built. The walls are painted bright green and toys are tucked neatly into their buckets with various ropes, bands and games lying in wait. Kids Physio looks MJLF B QMBZHSPVOE JOTUFBE PG B NFEJDBM GBDJMJUZ BOE UIBU T FYBDUMZ XIBU -BVSB wanted when she created the Kids Physio brand; a place where children could receive personalized and specialized physiotherapy in a place that was fun, XFMDPNJOH BOE GVMM PG FOFSHZ "T B NPN UP /PMBO NPOUIT BOE B DBSJOH wife who simultaneously runs three businesses, it would be an understatement UP TBZ UIBU -BVSB 1BUSJDL IBT IFS IBOET GVMM

,OPXJOH UIBU JU UBLFT B WJMMBHF UP SBJTF B DIJME -BVSB BOE IFS IVTCBOE XBOUFE UP NBLF UIF NPWF GSPN ,JUTJMBOP PWFS UP UIF /PSUI 4IPSF UP CF CBDL XJUI her extended family, who could help provide daycare while also building a TFOTF PG VOJUZ BOE DPNNVOJUZ BT -BVSB CVJMU IFS CSBOE 4IF CFHBO XPSLJOH at not only creating a business plan but also spent a year writing her systems manual, which she hoped would create a smooth operating road whenever she had to be away from work. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want physiotherapy to be a solid, wonderful FYQFSJFODF GPS LJET u TBZT -BVSB ,OPXJOH UIBU QSPWJEJOH UIFTF TFSWJDFT SFRVJSFE DPOTJTUFODZ GPS IFS DMJFOUT -BVSB JOTJTUT UIBU IFS TZTUFNT NBOVBM QSPWJEFE relief and eased her professional worries as she became a mother to her son.

-BVSB XBT CPSO BOE SBJTFE JO /PSUI 7BODPVWFS XIFSF TIF OPX MJWFT 4IF XBT determined to be a physiotherapist who worked with athletes, which led to her undergraduate degree at UBC before going to McMaster University in 0OUBSJP GPS IFS NBTUFST -JLF NPTU QIZTJPUIFSBQJTUT -BVSB IBE UP DPNQMFUF several clinical placements, but it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t until she worked with children in a Peterborough location that she changed her athlete focus to a desire to work JO QFEJBUSJD QIZTJPUIFSBQZ 8IFO -BVSB HSBEVBUFE TIF DSBWFE NPWJOH CBDL to the West Coast to provide services to children.

%FTQJUF SVOOJOH UISFF TVDDFTTGVM CVTJOFTTFT -BVSB DPOUJOVFT UP NBJOUBJO her clinical practice, ensuring there are three days a week where she works FYDMVTJWFMZ BT B QIZTJPUIFSBQJTU )PXFWFS CFJOH B NPUIFS IBT BĂ­PSEFE -BVSB B whole new perspective on treating children. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Clinically, I am more empathetic since becoming a mom. I see the developmental process very differently and VOEFSTUBOE XIFSF QBSFOUT BSF DPNJOH GSPN u -BVSB BMTP GPVOE UIBU JO CFJOH B new mom and a business owner, she had to reevaluate the way she worked and make space for the things in life that mattered. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m much more productive JO UIF UJNF UIBU * IBWF TP * DBO NBYJNJ[F UJNF XJUI NZ GBNJMZ u -BVSB JOTJTUT 4IF NBJOUBJOT B TUSJDU EFEJDBUJPO UP QMBOOJOH UIBU OPX BMMPXT IFS UP QFSGPSN the juggle between family and work.

*OJUJBMMZ VQPO SFUVSOJOH UP #SJUJTI $PMVNCJB -BVSB XPSLFE JO QVCMJD IFBMUI care with school age children. It was in this role that she quickly recognized a need for children to have access to private physiotherapy services, and yet, there was nowhere they could go to receive treatment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was young, but there was a really big need and I saw an opportunity to become known as someone XIP USFBUFE LJET u TBZT -BVSB i'PS NF UIFSF XBT UIJT HSPVQ PG LJET UIBU * LOFX XIP XFSF OPU HFUUJOH QSJWBUF QIZTJP BOE UIFZ OFFEFE JU u 4IF CFHBO IFS own private practice specializing in the needs of children, seeing up to forty patients a week from a tiny space. However, it quickly became clear, as she met her husband and wanted to start a family, that she would need to create a business that could operate without her by welcoming other therapists and building a self-sustaining operation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I realized I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be able to maintain UIBU CVTJOFTT NPEFM JG * XBOUFE UP IBWF B GBNJMZ u -BVSB TBJE 5IBU T XIFO -BVSB SFBDIFE PVU UP B OFUXPSL TIF LOFX TIF DPVME SFMZ PO UIF Forum for Women Entrepreneurs (FWE), where she sought their experience, advice and mentorship on not only starting her business, but gaining insight into how she could raise a family while also building her brand. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My mentor

5IBOLGVMMZ IBWJOH UIF MBUFTU ,JET 1IZTJP MPDBUJPO JO /PSUI 7BODPVWFS DMPTFS UP IFS IPNF BMMPXT B MJUUMF NPSF GSFF UJNF GPS -BVSB BOE IFS GBNJMZ 5IF 1BUSJDL family tries to make the most of their time together, allowing their son to FYQMPSF IJT PXO DPNNVOJUZ i8F FYQMPSF UIF /PSUI 4IPSF XIFOFWFS XF HFU B DIBODF u TBZT -BVSB i 8F IBWF B CJH EPH BOE XF TQFOE UJNF PVUEPPST PO UIF USBJMT PS FWFO KVTU CFIJOE PVS IPVTF u "OE XIFO QSPGFTTJPOBM EVUJFT DBMM /PMBO and her furrier family members are fixtures at various Kids Physio locations, making the whole venture a family affair.

"MUIPVHI UIF BDU PG ĂąOEJOH CBMBODF CFUXFFO NPUIFSIPPE BOE CVTJOFTT JT BMXBZT B DIBMMFOHF -BVSB USJFT UP LFFQ IFS WBMVFT JO NJOE OP NBUUFS IPX CVTZ she gets. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m consistently maintaining the goals of the family but I always IBWF UP NBLF TVSF UIF CVTJOFTT SVOT u TBZT -BVSB 0OF WJTJU UP ,JET 1IZTJP BOE B HMBODF BU IFS CFBVUJGVM GBNJMZ JT BTTVSBODF UIBU -BVSB JT NBJOUBJOJOH IFS goals not just at home, but at work too.

Jan/Feb 2015 25

literacy

A Place to Read and Grow Vancouverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Own Writing Program for Youth

by Grady Mitchell

t

IF 8SJUFST &YDIBOHF JT B 7BODPVWFS CBTFE PSHBOJ[BUJPO EFEJDBUFE to getting kids excited about reading and writing, and through that to ensure that every kid knows just how awesome they are. The QSPHSBN XBT GPVOEFE CZ 4BSBI .BJUMBOE JO JOTQJSFE CZ BO JOUFSOTIJQ TIF DPNQMFUFE JO 4BO 'SBODJTDP BU 7BMFODJB UIF GBNPVT %BWF &HHFST establishment with a pirate shop up front and a youth writing program in back.

Writersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Exchange

6QPO SFUVSOJOH UP 7BODPVWFS BOE MJOLJOH VQ XJUI ,JE4BGF B MBSHF 7BODPVWFS OPU GPS QSPĂąU 4BSBI SFBMJ[FE UIF LJET TIF XBT XPSLJOH XJUI XPVME FOKPZ B GVO MJHIUIFBSUFE SFBEJOH BOE XSJUJOH QSPHSBN TJNJMBS UP 7BMFODJB T 4P JO TIF MBVODIFE 5IF 8SJUFST 3PPN BU 2VFFO "MFYBOESB &MFNFOUBSZ BT QBSU PG ,JE4BGF 5IFZ UPPL PWFS B SPPN BU UIF TDIPPM XIFSF UIFZ PĂ­FSFE specialized reading and writing programs with volunteer mentors. Based PO UIF TVDDFTT PG UIBU QSPKFDU 4BSBI XBOUFE UP FYQBOE UIF QSPHSBN TP UIBU kids from other inner city schools could take part, and the Writersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Room HSFX JOUP UIF 8SJUFST &YDIBOHF *O UIFZ PQFOFE UIFJS PXO TQBDF BU 881 East Hastings.

Today The Writersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Exchange runs a number of programs ranging from elementary to high schools, both in school and at their Hastings location, working alongside teachers and volunteer mentors. Every Writersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Exchange QSPHSBN JT DPNQMFUFMZ GSFF "U UIF FOE PG FWFSZ QSPKFDU B CPPL JT NBEF TP every child gets to see their writing inside a professionally designed, highquality book. Every book gets a launch party where the kids are encouraged to read their pieces aloud to friends and family. The goal, says Managing %JSFDUPS "OOB 'PSTU JT UP FOTVSF UIF LJET IFBE IPNF GFFMJOH TVDDFTTGVM on their own terms. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They have an opportunity to work one-on-one with volunteer mentors on fun and creative projects that really tap into their JNBHJOBUJPO u "OOB TBZT iUP UIFJS GVO DSFBUJWF TJEF BOE JU SFBMMZ CSJOHT PVU the writer and reader in them.â&#x20AC;?

4JODF EBZ POF UIF JEFB PG FOKPZNFOU IBT CFFO FTTFOUJBM i5IF 8SJUFS T &YDIBOHF QSPWJEFT UIFN OPU POMZ XJUI B QMBDF UIBU T TBGF u TBZT "OOB iCVU also a place thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fun, and a place where they can learn and grow and become confident readers and writers.â&#x20AC;? Often the programs are tailored to the specific group of kids, meaning that they can take ownership and approach reading and writing in exactly the way that most excites them.

26 WestCoastFamilies.com

photo by Joe Sales

5IF 8SJUFST &YDIBOHF IBT BMSFBEZ IFMQFE IVOESFET PG 7BODPVWFS LJET MFBSO to love reading and writing, and with your help, they can reach even more.

To learn more about The Writersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Exchange and exactly how you can lend a hand, visit www.vancouverwe.com.

momevents westcoast

Adult Events for the Hip Mom Around Town!

The Odd Couple Main Stage at the Surrey Arts Centre January 14-25 Meet Felix Unger, the neurotic, neat-freak news writer. Meet Oscar Madison, the slovenly sportswriter. When life changes bring them together as roommates, will these two friends learn to meet in the middle? Or will their irreconcilable differences split them apart?

5JDLFUT TUBSU BU 604.501.5566 | www.surrey.ca Children the Heart of the Matter Conference Bell Performing Arts Centre January 16-17, 6:30pm For anyone who works with young children and families in child care settings, family resource programs, primary school grades and other community programs. The goal is to raise awareness of child care and early childhood development services through professional development, networking and information sharing. www.chidcareoptions.ca/children-theheart-of-the-matter Re-calculating- Vancouver CBC Studio 700, Vancouver January 22-24 Re-calculating is a one-man show featuring RVBESJQMFHJD ESVNNFS %BWF 4ZNJOHUPO Re-calculating will take you on one manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal journey as he navigates his way UISPVHI JEFOUJUZ BOE SFMBUJPOTIJQ TUSVHHMFT " drum kit his constant companion. realwheels.ca/on-the-marquee-our-shows/ shows-in-development/re-calculating/ PuSh International Performing Arts Festival Various Venues throughout Vancouver January 20-February 8 5IF GFTUJWBM GFBUVSFT BMNPTU QFSGPSNBODFT BOE FWFOUT PWFS EBZT JODMVEJOH .BJO 4UBHF TIPXT UISFF XFFLT PG QFSGPSNBODFT BU $MVC 1V4I OFUXPSLJOH FWFOUT BU UIF 1V4I "TTFNCMZ UIF GSFF 1V4I 'JMN TFSJFT EJOOFS UIFBUSF FYQFSJFODFT XJUI %JOF 0VU 7BODPVWFS BOE NBOZ BSUJTU UBMLT BOE PUIFS ancillary events.

604.605.8284 | www.pushfestival.ca

Vancouver Turkish Film Festival Vancity Theatre January 23-25 IBT CFFO POF PG UIF NPTU JOUFSOBUJPOBMMZ successful and prolific years for Turkish films. It is evident that the time is ripe, and the atmosphere conducive to host a film event of this calibre in 7BODPVWFS B DJUZ GVMM PG ĂąMN MPWFST PG BMM LJOET 778.895.2954 | www.vtff.ca

CKNW Orphansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Fund Pink Shirt Day February 25 Wear Pink today to symbolize that we as a society will not tolerate bullying anywhere, anytime. Purchase your pink shirt or make a donation online. Proceeds directly benefit many local organizations helping our youth. www.pinkshirtday.ca

Kids Swap Meet Cloverdale Fairgrounds January 31, 9am-12:30pm Find everything from baby items, kids clothing, toys, books, outdoor toys and so much more at discounted prices!

604.533.1970

After Hours Vancouver Aquarium February 26 Experience the peace and tranquility of the gallery without the kids! Join other 19+ for an adult-only evening. www.vanaqua.org

Ending the War with Our Bodies Vancouver Public Library - Central Branch January 31, 12noon-1:30pm Experts, and individuals, who have struggled with body-image, talk about self-esteem, eating disorders, prevention awareness, and early intervention of eating disorders. www.jessieslegacy.com

InFlux Surrey Art Gallery February 27, 8-11pm " NVMUJNFEJB TPDJBM FWFOU XJUI QFSGPSNBODFT live music, spoken word artists, interactive %*: BDUJWJUJFT BOE PQQPSUVOJUJFT GPS JOGPSNBM conversation and networking with artists and DVSBUPST BOE NPSF $PTU JT CZ EPOBUJPO QFS person minimum) 604.501.5566 | www.surrey.ca

Vancouver International Wine Festival Various Locations throughout Vancouver February 20-March 1 One of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premiere wine festivals, this event is a unique opportunity to learn about & enjoy some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest wines. The event features wine tastings & pairings, gourmet dinners & luncheons, educational seminars & culinary competitions.

Check out our website for event times.

604.872.6623 | www.vanwinefest.ca

family

travel &adventure

Coming in the March issue of WCF...

Family Travel & Adventure!

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re partnering with Claire Newell to bring you the most relevant local information on family vacations: near and far, and for all budgets. Book your ad today!

604-249-2866 | sales@westcoastfamilies.com

Jan/Feb 2015 27

community The Robson Square Ice Rink and Plaza Robson Square, Downtown Vancouver Ongoing until February 28, Check website for hours 4LBUJOH JT GSFF XJUI ZPVS PXO TLBUFT PUIFSXJTF SFOUBMT BSF BWBJMBCMF GPS TLBUFT BOE JODMVEFT B helmet). The rink also features a concession stand with snacks and warm drinks. www.robsonsquare.com Family Day at PdA! Place des Arts, Coquitlam January 11, 1:30-3:30pm Using the Exploring Iceland exhibition by BOB Photography as a reference, kids create a giant mountain range using only white and black paints on a large roll of paper. Once theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve contributed to the mountain, you can move on to create and paint a Japanese paper fan and QBSUJDJQBUF JO B TQFDJBM XPSLTIPQ "ENJTTJPO JT free. Register online.

604.644.1636 | www.placedesarts.ca Be a Tree Dog Bite Prevention Delta Community Animal Shelter January 24, 10-11:30am $IJMESFO BHFT m ZFBST PME MFBSO IPX UP CF safe around dogs and prevent dogs from biting.

5IJT JT B GSFF DMBTT 4QBDF JT MJNJUFE TP SFHJTUFS FBSMZ 1MFBTF OPUF B EPH MJDFOTF OVNCFS JT required for registration.

604.940.7111 Family Literacy Day Various locations January 27 'BNJMZ -JUFSBDZ %BZ IFME BOOVBMMZ PO +BOVBSZ XBT EFWFMPQFE CZ "#$ -JGF -JUFSBDZ $BOBEB JO 1999 to celebrate adults and children reading and learning together, and to encourage Canadians to spend at least 15 minutes enjoying a learning activity as a family every day. www.familyliteracyday.ca

The Addams Family Michael J. Fox Theatre, Burnaby February 6-21 Featuring all the characters weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve come to love, including the unconventional romance of Gomez and Morticia, and the eccentric Uncle Fester. This JT B GVO NVTJDBM GPS BMM BHFT 5JDLFUT TUBSU BU www.michaeljfoxtheatre.ca Bobs & LoLo The ACT Arts Centre & Theatre, Maple Ridge February 9, 1pmâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;2pm Join the fun with music, movement and makebelieve that create lasting memories for the XIPMF GBNJMZ 4IBSJOH NVTJDBM TUPSJFT UIBU FOHBHF JOTQJSF BOE FEVDBUF #PCT BOE -P-P UFBDI ZPVOH audiences to care about the world around them.

604.476.2787 Love Your Pet Day Delta Community Animal Shelter February 15 $FMFCSBUF -PWF :PVS 1FU %BZ CZ WJTJUJOH UIF %FMUB $PNNVOJUZ "OJNBM 4IFMUFS UP HFU B microchip implanted in your pet. By appointment only.

604.940.7111 Heritage Week 2015 Various Locations, Vancouver February 16-22 5IF XFFL LJDLT PĂ­ XJUI UIF OBUJPOBM )FSJUBHF %BZ designated by Heritage Canada, The National Trust. Hundreds of communities, large and small, FOKPZ EPXOUPXO .BJO 4USFFUT XJUI IJTUPSJD buildings.

604.428.7243 | www.heritagebc.ca Music with Marnie Band Kitsilano Community Centre January 17, 11am Get ready to boogie with WestCoast Families magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Reader Choice Gold Winners - The Music with Marnie Band and all of their fun and GVSSZ DIBSBDUFST 4UBZ BGUFS UIF TIPX BOE HFU B FREE, professional 5 x 7 photograph with Marnie.

5JDLFUT QFSTPO 604.257.6976 | www.MusicwithMarnie.com

Gluten-Free Expo Canada Place, Vancouver January 17-18 5IJT ZFBS UIF UXP EBZ FWFOU JODMVEFT exhibitors, a Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fun Zone and a list of speakers that includes some of the most informed and influential people in the gluten-free community.

This expo is the best place to get the most up to-date information on everything gluten-free!

5JDLFUT BSF BWBJMBCMF POMJOF GPS PS BU UIF door. Children ages 10 or under get in free. www.glutenfreeexpo.ca/bc/vancouver Norman Foote Main Stage at the Surrey Arts Centre January 31, 7pm Packed full of comedy and engaging music, Norman Footeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s concerts are famous for his crazy collection of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;props with an attitudeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; that come to life onstage in surprising fashion! With young TJOHFST GSPN 4VSSFZ BQQFBSJOH BT IJT CBDL VQ choir, the show features their voices as Normanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;animated wall of soundâ&#x20AC;? during this entertaining GBNJMZ DPODFSU 5JDLFUT "MM TFBUT 604-501-5566 www.surrey.ca/culture-recreation Beauty and the Beast Queen Elizabeth Theatre February 3-8 Hurry and get your tickets to this family-friendly %JTOFZ DMBTTJD NVTJDBM UPEBZ 5JDLFUT TUBSU BU Check the website for play times. www.theatrevancouver.com Family Day Surrey Art Gallery February 8, 12noon-4pm Explore, enjoy and create art together on BCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 'BNJMZ %BZ XFFLFOE &WFSZPOF XFMDPNF BOE children must be with an adult. Cost is by EPOBUJPO QFS DIJME www.surrey.ca

We can deliver WestCoast Families magazine free to your event! Email us at admin@westcoastfamilies.com or call 604-249-2866 28 WestCoastFamilies.com

calendar Family Day with Will Stroet!

February 9, 11am Lougheed Town Centre, Burnaby +PJO 8JMM 4USPFU BOE IJT #BDLZBSE #BOE GPS B GSFF TIPX JO DFMFCSBUJPO PG #$ T 'BNJMZ %BZ www.lougheedtownecentre.com Mike the Knight: The Great Scavenger Hunt February 14, Surrey, Bell Performing Arts Centre February 15, Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Theatre %PO U NJTT .JLF BOE BMM IJT [BOZ GSJFOET JO UIF (SFBU 4DBWFOHFS )VOU XIJDI UBLFT BVEJFODFT on an interactive and eye-opening adventure for the whole family, complete with an enchanting world of medieval castles, plucky trolls and flying dragons. www.ticketmaster.ca/Mike-The-KnightIn-The-Great-tickets/artist/2048445?tm_ link=edp_Artist_Name Lunar New Year Celebrations 2015 The Golden Village, Richmond February 19 Thousands will flock to Richmondâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Golden 7JMMBHF UP XFMDPNF UIF :FBS PG UIF 4IFFQ with fireworks, live music, countdowns, Chinese flower and gift fairs, colourful lion and dragon dances and of course, delicious, authentic food.

Gung Hay Fat Choy! www.tourismrichmond.com 15th Annual Chutzpah! Festival Various locations throughout Vancouver February 19-March 15 "XF JOTQJSJOH EBODF JOTJHIUGVM UIFBUSF ĂąSTU SBUF hilarious comedy and engaging music highlight this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s festival with world-class performances and workshops by international, Canadian and MPDBM BSUJTUT 5JDLFUT BSF www.chutzpah.com

Day of the Arts Pro-D Day Art Camp: Rainy Rainforest Place des Arts, Coquitlam February 20, 8:45amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;3:45pm Kids from Kindergarten to grade five will explore UIF SBJOZ SBJOGPSFTU EVSJOH UIJT 1SP % EBZ BSU DBNQ featuring a variety of visual and performing arts classes. Register now online, by phone, or in person. www.placedesarts.ca | 604.664.1636 Wildlife Hero Pro-d Day Camp - Eagles Extraordinaire 5216 Glencarin Drive, Burnaby February 20, 9am-3pm +PJO UIF 8JMEMJGF 3FTDVF "TTPDJBUJPO MFBSO XIBU makes eagles top predators and how many species of eagles there are. Go on an hour-long nature walk and make a craft to bring home.

Children will be able to touch and see real wildlife VQ DMPTF $BNQ JT 604.526.2747 | www.wildliferesuce.ca Cardboard Boat Races Ladner Leisure Centre February 20, 10am-12noon Bring your supplies and your friends & create B DBSECPBSE CPBU :PV XJMM HFU NJOVUFT UP construct your vessel, and then let the races begin! www.delta.ca Coldest Night of the Year Gateway of Hope, 5787 Langley Bypass February 21, 4-9pm This is a fun, family-friendly walking fundraiser that raises money for the hungry, homeless and hurting in 80+ communities across Canada. Join members of your community by participating in UIF -BOHMFZ XBML PSHBOJ[FE CZ UIF 4BMWBUJPO "SNZ Gateway of Hope. Please register online.

640.514.7375

Seedy Sat/Sun & Garden Expo Harris Barn, Ladner February 21-22, 10am-3pm 4FFEZ 4BU 4VO CSJOHT UPHFUIFS HBSEFOFST PG all levels, urban farmers & seed savers who are passionate about gardening. Bring your seeds to swap, visit garden, seed & plant vendors, or take part in workshops. There will be eight speakers over two days, including Brian Minter 5IPNBT )PCCT "ENJTTJPO JT CZ EPOBUJPO XJUI BMM QSPDFFET HPJOH UP UIF -BEOFS $PNNVOJUZ Gardens 604.940.0937 www.ladnercommunitygarden.blogspot.com Notes of Defiance Orpheum Theatre February 22, 2pm 7BODPVWFS "DBEFNZ PG %BODF QSFTFOUT /PUFT PG %FĂąBODF 'VO GPS UIF XIPMF GBNJMZ 5JDLFUT TUBSU BU 4FOJPS 4UVEFOUT GPS adults. www.vancouveracademyofmusic.com Vancouver Chinese New Year Parade Chinatown February 22 %VSJOH $IJOFTF /FX :FBS NPSF UIBO people line Chinatownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s streets to watch traditional lion dance teams, as well as marching bands and dance troupes. Pounding drums and firecrackers help ignite the excitement. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parade will celebrate the year of the ram. www.cbavancouver.ca Cammidge House Heritage Day Cammidge House, Boundary Bay Regional Park February 22, 1-4pm -FBSO BCPVU FBSMZ GBSNJOH JO #PVOEBSZ #BZ BOE enjoy tea and baked goods served by volunteers in period costume.

604.432.6359

Visit www.westcoastfamilies.com/events_calendar for more family friendly events this month!

To have your event included in the WestCoast Families community calendar, please email your details to admin@westcoastfamilies.com.

Go to www.westcoastfamilies.com to see more local and community family events in your area.

Jan/Feb 2015 29

last look All Natural Lip Balm

by Kelly S. Thompson

Kids love to cook and craft, so why not blend the two!? All natural lip balm makes a fun gift or can be used by every member of the family without preservatives and other chemicals, and everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lips will be soothed in the cold winter months!

materials t #BMN JOHSFEJFOUT NBLFT BQQSPY UVCFT

- 1.5 oz beeswax - 2.5 oz shea butter - 2.5 oz sweet almond oil - few drops vitamin e oil (extends shelf life) - 1 teaspoon essential oil of your choice t &NQUZ MJQ CBMN UVCFT PS QPUT t 1MBTUJD TQPPO t 0ME QPU GPS NFMUJOH JOHSFEJFOUT t 1BQFS UPXFMT GPS DMFBOVQ t .BSLFST TUJDLFST BOE PS XBTIJ UBQF GPS EFDPSBUJOH

make it!

Step 1: Slowly melt the beeswax on the lowest heat setting on the stove, stirring occasionally. Use a plastic spoon and an old pot, since the balm can be hard to wash off once it hardens.

Step 2: Add the shea and almond oil, stir and melt everything together.

Step 3: Take off the heat and add the vitamin E and scented oil.

Step 4: Place open tubes on a paper towel and slowly fill them and allow them to harden.

Step 5: Wipe off excess and decorate tubes and pots with stickers, markers and washi tape!

did you know? t $MFPQBUSB VTFE CFFTXBY JO IFS MJQ TBMWF CBDL JO #$ t -JQT ESZ PVU GBTUFS UIBO UIF SFTU PG UIF CPEZ CFDBVTF UIFZ IBWF OP TXFBU HMBOET t -JQ CBMN XPSLT OPU CZ NPJTUVSJ[JOH CVU CZ TFBMJOH JO NPJTUVSF UP ZPVS MJQT

30 WestCoastFamilies.com

Small hot Premium Roast Brewed Coffee with ANY MUFFIN

OR A COOKIE

1

$ 69 ™†

Not valid with any McCafé ® specialty beverage. Product availability varies by restaurant.

At participating McDonald’s ® restaurants in British Columbia. ©2015 McDonald’s. †®/TM Trade-mark of PepsiCo Canada ULC. Used under license.

plus tax

E V E R Y JO U R NE Y B E GI N S WI TH A SI N GL E STE P

What is the next step for your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education?

Education at Meadowridge School is different.

Through outstanding teaching, programmes and facilities, Meadowridge develops in children the confidence to not only meet the future, but also to create it.

Utilizing the International Baccalaureate programme, an inquiry and play-based curriculum to develop the whole child.

Specialized and dedicated teachers for French, Library, Music and P.E. for all primary grades.

Co-curricular opportunities including fencing, yoga, robotics, Chemistry and Mandarin club.

JOIN US FOR OPEN HOUSE, HELD EVERY FRIDAY THAT SCHOOL IS IN SESSION FROM 9:00AM TO 11:00AM Campus consisting of over 27 acres with greenhouses, a forest, discovery stream, gardens and a bouldering wall.

Faculty with advanced degrees including Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degrees and post-baccalaureate.

Programmes connecting students from across all grades including reading buddy and Kindergarten/Grade 12 buddy programmes.

Meadowridge School

www.Meadowridge.bc.ca

International Baccalaureate Continuum World School Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 | Coeducational

admissions@meadowridge.bc.ca 604.467.4444