KindSight 101

In this episode, you'll hear about the global crisis of homelessness from a Mayor's perspective. Mayor Lisa Helps is the current Mayor of Victoria, Canada and she weighs in about the hidden issues related to homelessness, 2 specific limitations all cities have to overcome, the reason youth are the answer to solving the crisis, and she provides some tangible ways that every citizen can contribute. Lisa Helps became the 52nd Mayor of Victoria when she was elected on November 15, 2014, and was sworn into office on December 4, 2014. Prior to being elected as Mayor, she served as a Victoria City Councillor for one term, from 2011 to 2014. Mayor Helps believes that it is her job as Mayor of Victoria to employ business sensibilities and community values to lead an organization that serves all of its citizens. With a transparent and common sense approach to decision-making, Mayor Helps has championed both citizen-led and local-business-led initiatives in a variety of areas. She is leading a transformation at City Hal

Kindness should be easy, right? Wrong! Kindness, the act of sitting alongside someone in empathy and putting ourselves in their shoes through compassion is one of the hardest things we can do. As a result, people are nice, but they don't always act in kindness. It turns our there are five reasons that prevent us from being kind. Once we understand what stops kindness, we can learn and teach our way to making kindness normal again. Join me during this uplifting conversation as we dig into key strategies for unlocking kindness in our students. You'll hear heartwarming stories of kindness and you'll be moved to take action within your school, workplace, and community. Learn more about Houston Kraft through social media and online by visiting @characterstrong and https://www.houstonkraft.com/characterstrong/ or chooselove.org

We talk a lot about the concept of growth mindset in schools, but how do you develop it? In this episode with Dr. Rebecca Alber, you'll learn actionable ways to foster growth mindset in yourself and in your students. Dr. Rebecca Alber is an Instructor at UCLA's Graduate School of Education, a literacy specialist, a consulting editor at Edutopia, a compulsive reader, passionate about learning being relevant, engaging, and revolutionary and she dips into the Pacific as often as possible. you can find her on twitter @Wordlib or by searching Dr. Rebecca Alber. You can also find her work on edutopia.org

Have you ever found yourself stumped by the question, "Why are we doing this, for?" or have you ever been graced with the inevitable "Is this on the test?" query? In this very special episode, I talk to the one and only Seth Godin about disrupting the industrial model of education, helping students to get comfortable with struggle of learning and the venture beyond the pull of wanting to fit in. We also discuss the real purpose of school and how we can best prepare our students for the uncertain future. Finally, we explore the best way to provide feedback and advice to our learners, so that they may become the fullest expressions of themselves. SETH GODIN is the author of 18 books that have been bestsellers around the world and have been translated into more than 35 languages. He’s also the founder of the altMBA and The Marketing Seminar, online workshops that have transformed the work of thousands of people. He writes about the post-industrial rev

When I put a call out to some of my friends and colleagues to learn the actionable ways they create a culture of belonging within their classrooms, I was blown away by the responses I received. I will be incorporating many of these strategies and lesson ideas within my own practice. In this episode you’ll hear a unique way to connect authentically with families during your first week in the classroom, a great way for students to get to know each other and the staff within your school, an awesome hands-on activity to start your first day off right, and a list of resources and tangible ways to develop growth mindset within your students during the first month, and throughout the year. You’ll also learn a strategy so successful that three educators mentioned variations of it…love it! Finally, you’ll learn a handful of tips for starting the year off right. Thanks for listening.

Whether you're a well-seasoned teacher or fresh in the field, it's always great to gain insight into tried, tested, and true tips for success in the classroom. In this episode, you'll come away with some great ways to prepare yourself and your classroom environment for a successful year, before the kids even set foot in the classroom. Enjoy! I am so excited to launch these new episodes because they are loaded with back to school strategies that you can implement right away to ensure you have a successful year with your students. I put a call out to some of my colleagues and was overwhelmed by the wealth of experience, creativity, and generosity. This first episode focuses on preparing yourself and your learning environment in such a way that you not only optimize learning, but that you feel calm and happy as you prepare for the upcoming year. You’ll hear from 4 experienced teachers about 4 strategies that’ll help you show up authentically for your students, the hidden curriculum every teacher should be focusi

In this episode, we talk with world-class Julliard-trained violinist Tricia Park about her experiences as a child prodigy. We discuss how learning to play the violin and perform for world-class audiences at a very young age made her feel special all the while contributing to a limited sense of identity. She shares her unique insights into what it’s like to live a big life as a quiet and painfully shy child and she discusses simple ways that educators can help their exceptional students rise about the pressures associated with achievement and perfectionism. For more information about Tricia, including links to some of her amazing work with the Solera Quartet, the Music IC Organization or her other projects, visit triciapark.com or check out the shownotes at smallactbigimpact.com for all of the related links to her performances and work. Praised by critics for her "astounding virtuosic gifts" (Boston Herald) and "achingly pure sound” (The Toronto Star), concert violinist TRICIA PARK enjoys a dive

More often than we'd like to think, our students experience homelessness or are at-risk for homelessness. But educators and the general public aren't powerless to help! Jody Yurkowsky Pace is the director of program services at Threshold Housing Society, which helps at-risk youth attain independence and self-reliance through supportive transitional housing. Hear some of the touching stories, strategies, and approaches we can all take to end youth homelessness in our cities. "I work with youth because this is where the happy stories are. We can change the lives of these youth and prevent them from turning to life on the street. If we look people in the eye with kindness and invest in our youth, we can change their lives. Just this year, several of our youth graduated from high-school. Over the years, several have been accepted to and attending college and university," says Jody. Hope you enjoy and that you feel inspired to bring your own amazing skills to the forefront to help youth in need! Learn m

Fernand Magnin of Victoria, Canada lost his daughter to a fentanyl overdose in May 2016. Bria Magnin Forster struggled with addiction for more than 10 years, but her death came shortly after she left a rehab program on the lower mainland. Fernand is sharing her story in the hopes of raising awareness about the need for better mental health and addictions supports for individuals who struggle. He is also working hard to dispel some of the myths about homelessness. I believe a great number of north americans have a skewed perspective on homelessness: 1) that’s a choice, 2) that it solely a result of drug abuse, and finally 3) that it’ll never touch our lives so we shouldn’t care about it. For more information, check out my website smallactbigimpact.com

About Locelle (/LŌK-EL/ meaning Local Women) is a female only social networking platform that provides a safer and easier way for women to meet like-minded local women (friends, mentors, business connections or activity partners). We create real connections by nding near- by matches based on interests, location and demographics using Match IQTM technology. Mission and Vision Our mission is to provide women with a safe platform where they can easily connect with like-minded women. Out vision is to create meaningful connec- tions for women to thrive and lead a ful lled life for their overall well-being. Products and Services For Women A social networking app that creates real connections between like-minded women using Match IQTM technology. Whether women are looking for a friend, mentor, business connection or an activity partner, Locelle can nd a nearby match based on interests, location and demographics. For Organizations Organizations that are looking to take their female employee well-being to the next l

With the advent of more ethically-conscious curricula that challenge the outdated colonialist outlook on history, educators are more responsible than ever for carefully and accurately talking about cultures and ways of knowing that may not be personally familiar to us. In light of the Canadian government’s reconciliation efforts with indigenous people, the way we teach has to reflect a more culturally conscious approach. "But, I’m not indigenous," many people say. "How do I teach about indigenous culture?" In this conversation, you’ll learn specific lessons, books, and approaches to teaching indigenous ways of knowing in an authentic, integrated way. Hope you enjoy this short, illuminating mini-episode with my esteemed guest, Adrienne Gear. Be sure to check out her full-length treasure trove interviews (E #9 and #10). Adrienne Gear has been a teacher in the Vancouver School district in Canada for over 18 years working as a classroom teacher, ESL teacher, teacher librarian and District Lite

I love being able to host this podcast because of the wonderful people I get to speak to. Today, I am here with Elyse Cochrane who will be talking about the actionable ways that educators can foster a sense of innovation, critical thinking, purposeful contribution, and social connection through her specialized proven methods. You’ll learn how to implement Contribution Fridays within your classroom practice, an easy weekly activity that encourages students to gain agency over their learning and impact on their communities. With a passion and firm conviction in the power of social, emotional and cognitive learning, Elyse Cochrane is the Program Director for Dolphin Kids Achievement Programs headed up by Dr. Shimi Kang. She has a background in Educational Technology and Learning Design. Under her leadership, Dolphin Kids expanded into 12 schools in BC providing innovative and customized SEC services including: parenting seminars, in-class “field trips”, professional development workshops, after school programs,

How does one make meaningful change? A lot of people believe in grand openings and grandiose efforts. I'd argue that the drip by drip approach is just as meaningful, if not more so. Listen as you hear the story of Henri, a child soldier in the Congo, who makes a huge difference to the livelihood of many children through his small but impactful acts.

Have you ever wondered how kind your school is? Well, today’s guest invented the research-backed metric that every school should employ to measure the kindness of their culture. In our conversation, we explore three different types of kindness and ways to empower our students to practice daily kindnesses. We also talk about the surprising relationship between resiliency and kindness. Enjoy the episode. Dr. John Tyler Binfet is an assistant professor at the University of British Columbia in Canada. He focuses on two areas of research: Conceptualizations of Kindness in School; and 2) The Effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy on Students’ Well-Being. His areas of expertise include: perceptions of school kindness; social and emotional learning; homesickness, stress reduction in university students, and animal-assisted therapy (particularly canine). He has also developed the unique B.A.R.K. dog therapy program. For more information visit Dr. John-Tyler Binfet or bark.sites.olt.ubc.ca or my website smallactbigimpact.

Who says you can’t teach inquiry in kindergarten? This episode will have you checking your assumptions at the door. Many teachers not only believe that using inquiry-based, student centered-learning is only for the intermediate grades, but that it’s impossible in kindergarten. My superstar guest provides step by step strategies, highlights her favorite technological apps, and explains key lessons to explore inquiry within your classroom, whether you want to simply dip your toe into it or do a deep dive with your class. Get ready to be inspired! Rebecca is a Kindergarten Teacher in the Greater Victoria School District, on beautiful Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. She currently teaches French Immersion at George Jay Elementary School. She is passionate about incorporating inquiry practices with her learners. Rebecca also strives to teach using BC's First Peoples Principles of Learning, technology and Reggio Emilia style practices. Rebecca is the co-author of Inquiry Mindset with Trevor MacKenzie published in 2018

If you’ve ever wondered how you can easily earn the respect and trust of parents in an authentic way that doesn’t compromise your integrity, my guest has some incredible insight to share with you today. In our conversation, we discuss the importance of building rapport, creating judgement-free zones for moms, encouraging parenting communities that favor teamwork and generosity over competition, and the significance of creating a safe space to navigate some of life’s controversial conversations. My guest Shauna Stewart Douglas is the founder and CEO of Mommble, a safe, non-judgemental social community for moms and moms-to-be. They are dedicated to moms supporting each other in this epic and sometimes roller coaster-like journey called Motherhood. She also heads up a number of moms uniting moms groups on facebook and can be found on Instagram by searching mommble_moms . https://www.mommble.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mommble_moms/ https://www.facebook.com/momsunitingmoms/ In case you want a bit of further i

Have you ever pondered how to inspire your creative and entrepreneurial-minded students to take action and achieve their potential? My very special guest, an uber successful entrepreneur has a special message he wants all teachers to hear about what it takes to support our students in reaching for the stars. Sit up and listen to this one! Today’s guest, Evan Carmichael is working to solve the world's biggest problem: Untapped human potential. Evan Carmichael believes in entrepreneurs. At 19, he built then sold a biotech software company. At 22, he was a venture capitalist helping to raise $500,000 to $15 million. He now runs EvanCarmichael.com, a popular website for entrepreneurs. He has set two world records, uses a stand-up desk, rides a Vespa, raises funds for Kiva, wears five-toe shoes and created Entrepreneur trading cards. He speaks globally, but Toronto (#EntCity) is home. He loves being married, his son, salsa dancing, DJing, League of Legends and the Toronto Blue Jays. Join him on his jouney by searc

Have you ever wanted to learn the key to raising successful, independent, and happy children? The key is not shooting for obedience! During this fascinating conversation, we explore how to side-step power struggles, how to explain anger to a child, how to stay calm when children are pushing us beyond our limit, and how to maintain age-appropriate expectations of our students. We examine how to set boundaries within our brave new social media landscape and how to support children when they are demonstrating depressive or anxious symptoms. Finally, we explore the two strategies all teachers should be implementing to develop psychological safety within their classrooms. Hope you enjoy! Allison Rees has been teaching LIFE Seminars since 1991 with her main focus on parenting. Allison and her colleague Dr. Alison Miller have produced two books: Sidestepping the Power Struggle and The Parent Child Connection. Her history involves a 12 year radio show, weekly appearances on the news, a private practice working wi

Have you ever wanted to take a more active role in Canadian reconciliation efforts within your classroom, but felt like you weren’t sure how to do so? In this episode, you’ll learn about the I Love First People’s Shoebox gift project, the easy way your class can become involved, and hear about how this program is has been recognized as a meaningful bridge between Indigenous and non-indigenous groups wishing to move forward and rethink a more equitable, culturally sensitive, and informed future for our country. I hope you become inspired to join this wonderful cause! Josée is the founder of I Love First Peoples, a national charity that empowers Indigenous youth through education and projects that foster reconciliation. She is also the director of the Ideal Way Association, a charity that helps single-parent families to come out of poverty through long-term coaching. Josée brings over 20 years of experience in communications and event management to her work in assisting charities to improve the lives of the mos

Today’s incredible guest talks about the inspiring journey he took to overcome the financial and structural constraints within his low-income, underserved school in the Bronx. His story of passion, determination, and change-making is an inspiration for any teacher wishing to disrupt the status quo and improve upon a broken system. Buckle up for a motivating ride! Charles Best leads DonorsChoose.org, a nonprofit website which enables anyone to help a classroom in need. Charles launched the organization in 2000 at a Bronx public high school where he taught history for five years. To date, teachers at more than 70% of all the public schools in America have created classroom project requests on DonorsChoose.org, and more than 2 million people have given to those projects. DonorsChoose.org is one of Oprah Winfrey's "ultimate favorite things" and made the cover of Fast Company as one of the "50 Most Innovative Companies in the World," the first time a charity has received such recognition. You c