Misbehaving children always make us question if we are parenting properly. We feel like we are messing up our kids. Learn the four misbehaviour dances we do with our children and how to get out of them. Learn why punishment and

rewards no longer work with this generation.FREE

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ANNUAL LITERACY & LEARNING DAY

@Literacy_Day #literacyday2017

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October 28, 2017

8:15 a.m.

12:30 p.m.

Barbara Coloroso

Alyson Schafer

Just Because It’s Not Wrong Doesn’t Make It Right

Honey, I Wrecked the Kids

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Join Barbara as she describes how parents, caregivers and educators can nurture and guide children’s ethical lives from toddlerhood through the teen years using everyday situations at home, at school, in social settings, and in the world at large. Packed with solid, practical advice on how to use the stuff of everyday life to teach children to act with integrity, civility, and compassion, this keynote presentation is a “must” for all of us!

Session A Workshops

1) NEW| kids are worth it! Parenting with Wit & WisdomBarbara Coloroso

P/K/E/J/S

9:45 am - 11:00 am

P) Pre-SchoolK) KindergartenE) ElementaryJ) Junior HighS) Senior High

A session jam-packed with solid, practical advice for parents of children from toddlers to teenagers that shows how to utilize the very stuff of family life - chores, mealtime, sibling rivalry, toilet training, bedtime, allowances and more - to create a home environment in which children can become self-disciplined, compassionate, responsible, resourceful, resilient human beings who can act in their own best interest, stand up for themselves and exercise their own rights while respecting the rights and legitimate needs of others. Barbara will discuss the keys to good parenting: treating kids with respect; giving them a sense of positive power in their own lives; giving them opportunities to make decisions, take responsibility for their actions and learn from their successes and mistakes.

2) REVISED| Why Some Children Struggle to Learn to ReadKathryn Burke

Centre for Literacy

P/K/E

3) REVISED | How to Raise Kids Who Thrive in the Digital AgeJacqueline Green

The Great Parenting Show

P/K/E/J/S

For some children, learning to read is easy; they seem to effortlessly gain the ability to read. Other children struggle with reading, often surprising parents and teachers alike. Explore the critical skills a child needs to learn to become a good reader. Learn some of the factors that may cause some children to struggle with both reading and writing. Take away strategies and approaches that can be used to help struggling readers, and activities that can be used to build foundational literacy skills amongst pre-schoolers.

The time to educate yourself on media use is NOW. Technology can undermine your parenting and your child’s education. The sooner you learn how to deal with digital issues like addiction to social media, sexting, cyberbullying, the better. You will leave this workshop armed with knowledge about what media is most harmful and tips on how to harness technology for good while steering clear of the serious pitfalls.

4) REVISED | Understanding LearningLorraine Lastiwka

P/K/E/J/S

Are you wondering how your child’s brain learns? Why do they learn some things better than others? Are there things that you can do as a parent to improve your child’s ability to learn? In this session, you will learn important factors that will enhance your child’s ability to learn, and improve the way you learn too!

5) NEW | Math Play: Best Strategies to Play Math With Your ChildrenRoger Moore & Isabelle Reid

P/K/E

"I tried to teach my child with books; He gave me only puzzled looks. I tried to teach my child with words; They passed by him often unheard. Despairingly, I turned aside 'How shall I teach this child,' I cried? Into my hand he put the key, 'Come,' he said, 'And play with me'." Author unknown

Amaze yourself and play in this fast-paced workshop. Learn ways to play with math anytime, anywhere: while reading, shopping, traveling, waiting. Math is everywhere once you start seeing it with your children. Learn best strategies to help your children play (and learn) math.

6) NEW | The Music Effect: How Music Enhances LearningWendy Chorley & Sharla Quantz

Is it possible that music is the missing link in your child's educational pursuits? Could music actually "light up" those parts of the brain concerned with motor and reasoning? Might music education optimize brain function? The answer is a resounding yes! Come and find out more about why the best decision you could make for your child's academic future is strongly linked to early music education. Research on how music enhances pre-literacy and math skills will also be explored.

P/K/E

The art of coordination between food, body, mind, and social-emotional well-being starts right in childhood. When we make a conscious effort to teach our kids how to take responsibility for their own well-being by making mindful food and lifestyle choices and habits, that is what will create responsible adults which means a more peaceful and joyful world.

7) NEW| Importance of Mind-Body Well-Being from Childhood Ritu Chawla Ray

Kosha Alignment and Wellness Centre

P/K/E/J/S

Join Cpl. McIntosh as he presents how different versions of Fentanyl and other toxic opioids appear, how Fentanyl has emerged in Canada, and how we may be able to protect ourselves from its harmful effects. This opioid crisis is affecting Canadians across the country, and especially in Alberta. Be aware and be prepared!

8) NEW| Fentanyl Awareness 101 Cpl. Brad McIntosh

RCMP K Division, CLEAR Team

Anxiety is more common than you may think. Everyone experiences anxiety and that's a good thing! Anxiety is useful in some situations like preparing for important events or reacting to dangerous situations. However, anxiety can also be destructive or crippling, especially if not managed appropriately. When is anxiety not helpful? What strategies tend to make anxiety stronger?

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, anxiety is the most common mental health complaint amongst children and adolescents today. Join Laurie to obtain information relating to the natural purpose of anxiety and signs that a child or adolescent is experiencing anxiety that is no longer helpful. Parents/caregivers will have the opportunity to gain increased awareness of this mental health condition, learn about practical strategies and resources to support children and adolescents during times of worry and transition such as chang-ing schools, grade transitions, and exam preparation and writing.

9) NEW| Managing Child & Adolescent Anxiety Laurie Young, MC, CCC, BA, CYC

Alberta Health Services

P/K/E/J/S

E/J/S

P) Pre-SchoolK) KindergartenE) ElementaryJ) Junior HighS) Senior High

10) NEW| It Starts With You: Learn How to Meditate Workshop for Parents & Children E/J/S

Susan Agrios Agrios MindFitness

1-11 minutes a day could change your life! Join Susan as she teaches you a variety of meditation and mindfulness techniques for parents/caregivers and kids. She will show you how you can integrate this into your life at home to create a calmer, more relaxing environment. As a K-12 school teacher, Susan quickly realized kids were stressed and anxious as young as 7 or 8 years old. Many kids in her class were labelled ADD/ADHD, unable to focus, concentrate or even sit still. There was bullying, depression, anger issues, insomnia and the list goes on and on. Many of the teachers and parents were dealing with this too. Susan developed a TIME OUT Mindfulness Training Kit that includes mindfulness exercises, meditation and mindfulness techniques (3-11 minutes) for relaxation, stress reduction, self-regulation, memory, concentration, focus and depression. It’s simple and easy to do! All you need is YOU!

Session B Workshops2:15 pm - 3:15 pm

P/K/E/J/S

Laura L Comfort Limitless Literacy Society

16) REVISED | Supporting Your Child’s Literacy Development

What is literacy? Why is it so important? How can you help support your child's development beyond the class-room to ensure their success? Literacy affects every aspect of a person’s journey from before school begins, through their school years and into the workplace. In this session, you will learn about literacy and discover some tools to use to support your child on their journey.

11) NEW| Building a Brain: The Brain Architecture Game

A brief overview of research on early childhood brain development including different types of stress, the importance of nurturing relationships, the ACEs Study, and executive function. Participants will play the Brain Architecture Game following the introduction, which demonstrates how real-life childhood experiences might affect the developing brain.

Meg Fortier Early Years Coalition for North Central Edmonton

P/K

12) NEW| Being the Voice for Change in the Education System

These two organizations are working in partnership to engage the wider educational community to move forward in supporting inclusive learning. This is a new Alberta-wide initiative comprised of parents and front-line service providers who work daily with students with learning challenges. We believe that everyone needs to play a part in helping to advocate for supports and resources needed to help students be successful within the school system. Join Ellie & Greta as they present information on: 1. Mandatory early screening for learning and developmental challenges. 2. Changing class compositions and class sizes. 3. Enhanced teacher training specifically for all learning challenges.

Ellie Shuster - Learning Disablilities Association of AlbertaGreta Gerstner - Strategic Alliance for Alberta Students with Learning Challenges

P/K/E/J/S

13) NEW| Game On: Using Video Games as Tools for Creation & Imagination

Just like books, video games come in all sorts of different genres, and just like books they can be used to stimulate creativity, imagination, problem-solving, and collaboration in kids. Join librarians from the Edmonton Public Library as they show you how to turn video games from recreation into education. Learn their tips and tricks for harnessing the creative potential of popular games like Minecraft and Roblox, and discover how video game making and design opens up a whole new world of literacy possibilities.

Edmonton Public LibraryE/J/S

14) REVISED| NO TEARS, NO FEARS – You Won’t Believe It’s Math

Math without TEARS, Math without FEARS...Attitude is everything when it comes to math. Yes, you can help at home...this workshop will show you how! This interactive workshop will focus on strategies and skills that you were likely never aware of as a learner. Memorizing alone is not enough....engage your child in wanting to know more, in wanting to learn, understand, and remember. During this presentation, Geri will introduce you to a variety of mini practice tasks that will support the development of a rich and lasting sense of number, number relationships and number facts. If you joined Geri last year, don't shy away - the tasks and takeaways are different each year.

Geri LorwayThinking 101

P/K/E/J

15) NEW| Supporting Children Coping with FASD

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is the leading developmental disability in the world. Children with FASD are among the most vulnerable in our schools. Daily struggles lead to disengagement, poor choices, social pressures and exclusion from school and community. Supporting success with these complex and vulnerable children can be difficult and overwhelming. However, with shared understandings, relationships and creative opportunities, solutions to success can be achieved. Join Tracy in this workshop as she explores the importance of strong relationships amongst the child's support team. Together you will look at ways to activate collaborative teams and networks, offer parent support and discuss how to best define pathways to success for all youth.

Tracy MastrangeloWellness Resiliency and Partnerships

P/K/E/J/S

19) REVISED| Maker, Shaker, Tinker, Thinker: Unlock the Genius in Every Child

Tinkering teaches adults and children to take risks, ask questions, wonder, invent, experiment and TRY. Taking things apart with the intent to put them back together builds life skills that cannot be developed with an APP on an iPad. During this highly engaging presentation you will participate in a range of activities that you can do at home to positively impact your child's development in both literacy and numeracy. Each year the tasks are different as we make, shake, tinker and thinker.

Geri LorwayThinking 101

P/K/E/J

20) NEW| High Impact Science on a Low Budget

Come watch fun, impressive and low-cost science demonstrations that can easily be done at home or in a classroom. Actively participate, as you learn how and why they work!

Jeffrey NewtonAlberta Science Network, Edmonton Branch

K/E/J

21) NEW| Exploring CAREER Opportunities

Join Janis in this information packed session that works to connect Alberta youth with career awareness and exploration options in high school that are facilitated by CAREERS: The Next Generation and others. You will look at trends in the Alberta occupational market, impacts that career exploration can have, and links to high school courses. As parents, we help our youth navigate life and this includes the step beyond high school. By becoming informed, we can help our teenagers broaden their lines of sight, and explore a wide range of careers including ones that are just starting to emerge. Attend this session to expand your knowledge and your teen’s horizons.

Janis Lawrence-HarperCAREERS: The Next Generation

J/S

17) REVISED| Inside an Eating Disorder

Peer pressure. Low self-esteem. A need to fit in or a desire to emulate an idolized movie star or model. Any or all of these can trigger an emotional crisis that results in an eating disorder, and it can happen at any age. If you are concerned that your child, or even someone you know may be suffering from an eating disorder, the information in this workshop might help you understand what you're facing and give you some ideas about how to deal with it. Marianne takes you through her own 10-year battle with anorexia - how the nightmare started, how bad it got, her family's reactions and attempts to find her help, and how she was finally able to find some kind of normal. She will follow her story with a summary of types of eating disorders, symptoms, what to look for, and some ideas on how to help. Warning: Some graphic descriptions.

Marianne RobertsonJ/S

18) REVISED| Understanding Canadian History Using the Blanket Exercise

Sixteen years ago, the Aboriginal Rights Coalition worked with Indigenous elders and teachers to develop an interactive way of learning Canadian history most Canadians are never taught. The Blanket Exercise was the result and Canadian schools are using this as a history teaching method on a regular basis. The exercise uses blankets to represent the lands of what is now called Canada, and the distinct cultures and nations which live on those lands to this day. As a participant, you will represent the First Peoples; when you move onto the blankets, you will be taken back in time to the arrival of the Europeans. The Narrator and a European work with the participants to read a script while the exercise goes through the history of treaty-making, colonization and resistance that resulted in the nation we today call Canada. Join Kristen and Students as they guide you through this thoughtful and powerful experience. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to learn what your kids are learning in school!

Kristen MillerEdmonton Public Schools -- First Nations, Métis and Inuit Department

E/J/S

Session C Workshops3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

P) Pre-SchoolK) KindergartenE) ElementaryJ) Junior HighS) Senior High

23) NEW| An Introduction to Gender Diversity at School

This session is for parents who are new to ideas of gender diversity (gender fluid, transgender) and are curious about the kinds of policy changes and actions to create safer environments for students who express their gender in independent ways. Using video, discussion and resources, parents can become more comfortable and knowl-edgeable with the diversity of gender expression and gender identity presenting in Alberta schools.

Courtney CliffPRIDE Centre

E/J/S

25) NEW| Relaxation, Breathing and Guided Imagery for Stressed Out Kids (and Adults)

Kids have stress in their life - it's undeniable! Our world is so much faster, there's so much pressure from school, socially, at home, and they also have stressed out role models! This is a big deal because prolonged stress can profoundly undermine learning, mental health and brain development in young people. In this session, learn techniques for relaxation, breathing and guided imagery to help children of all ages bring more peace and serenity into their lives (and yours).

Vanessa PouliotGlow Yoga

P/K/E/J

26) REVISED| Financial Literacy: Talk to Your Kids About Money

Did you know that the 3rd Wednesday in April is "Talk With Our Kids About Money Day"? Join Debbie and take away the "free resources" available to parents to support financial literacy. She aims to support parents in their efforts to help their children learn about money, and to prepare for the financial decisions and responsibilities ahead. Learn fun, engaging, and educational ways to help your children learn more about money - and how to handle it.

Debbie VanceCanadian Foundation for Economic Education

E/J/S

27) NEW| Shining a Light on Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and Other Learning DisabilitiesRachel Williams

E2 Academy

E/J/S

22) NEW| Telus WISE: Internet & Smartphone Safety & Security

Telus WISE (Wise Internet & Smartphone Education) engages Canadians of all ages in a discussion about Internet and smartphone safety to help keep ourselves, our families and communities safer from online criminal activity such as financial fraud and cyberbullying. This program for adults, including parents and caregivers, includes access to a wealth of online safety resources.

Telus WISEE/J/S

24) NEW| CALM LIFE: Mindfulness & Meditation Techniques for Adults & Kids

Your mind follows your breath. The key to controlling your mind is controlling your breath. Tired? Exhausted? Stressed? That’s why Susan, former K-12 school teacher, created this workshop for you. Take time out to deeply relax your body and mind as Susan guides you through a meditation (yoga nidra) and teaches you simple and easy ways to learn meditations, some as short as 1-3 minutes in length. Susan will show you how to integrate these techniques into your daily life so you won’t feel as drained or burnt out by the end of the day. She will also teach you some quick and simple movement and breath exercises to help you refocus or “wake up” when your mind is wandering and you get that tired, sleepy feeling. This is a session you definitely don’t want to miss!

Susan AgriosAgrios MindFitness

E/J/S

So your child has been diagnosed with a learning disability - now what?!? This session aims to demystify learning disabilities for parents and teachers and to provide practical strategies that can be easily implemented at home and school. Participants will not only learn what a learning disability is but also explore what it means on a day to day basis in their home or classroom.