S1E5 - Schools Re-opening and Post-COVID Learning

Toronto District School Board trustee James Li speaks to us about how the TDSB is enabling online learning, summer school, and approaches our schools are taking to better prepare teachers and students for when schools reopen this fall.  James shares with us his passion for improving the quality of education for children everywhere. www.becoming-parents.com 

We speak with Jacqueline Floh-Hilts, a school teacher and advocate of community service. Volunteering her time, efforts (and hair!) for the Angel Hair for Kids program, Jackie tells us about the importance of families staying engaged and socially active within their community.  She also shares some tips on managing learning at home and striking a balance that works for you.   www.becoming-parents.com 

We discover the importance of empathy, kindness and social-emotional learning in early childhood with educator Cara Zelas and therapy dog Little Dude.  Hear how SEL core competencies like self-awareness and relationship skills can be taught at home, and how they benefit children in their most formative years.  We also ask why social-emotional learning is not taught more formally, and what can parents do to address this gap.  www.becoming-parents.com 

For Mother's Day, we speak with influencer Samantha Nacman (IG @samstiigram) about how pregnancy helped her to re-imagine motherhood, redefine the role of "stay-at-home mom", and discover technology to balance career and family.  We also discuss the stigma that different moms face, and how the blurred line between work and family might shift corporate culture.  www.becoming-parents.com 

We speak to a working mom of an energetic 5 year-old boy and learn about her experiences and insights on keeping the family active and happy during the challenging COVID-19 lock-down.   www.becoming-parents.com 

A little intro and sneak peek for the Becoming Parents podcast!  www.becoming-parents.com