This September is definitely will be a unique time for families with school-age children. With back-to-school around the corner and the uncertainty of how it will go, we wanted to share with you some useful resources and links that we have had success with to help kids acknowledge, express, and share their feelings about what they are going through. Also, what are some groups and communities that can help parents with resources to help with academic support beyond the classroom.
We know not all of these resources can help with all families and situations, but konw that no matter what you do, you are doing it from a place of love for your child and they will be ok. And through it all, they will know that their parents are there for them too!
We hope these links will be of help and the Panda Mandarin team wishes your family best of luck with the start of school, whenever it will be and however it will be.
1. Big Life Journal:
The Big Life Journal is the world's first growth mindset journal for kids. It teaches perseverance, grit, self-belief, positive thinking, and more. There is a lot of free information on their website for parents who are sending their children to school or decided to homeschool.
This may be able to address one of your questions about how to organize and schedule their study times across the day and keep them motivated. Do you remember the handmade kanban I showed you last night? This planner can work well along with the kanban and engage your children to learn and plan their week, which is one of the good habits suggested in the "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People"!
Having your children spend one minute every day thinking about their blessings can change their entire day for the better! Or even better, do it together as a family with a weekly Gratitude jar where each of you write done one thing you were thankful for this week. At the end of the month, quarter, or year (you decide!) it is nice to go back and see what memories you had as a family!
Resources and training by Shelley Murphy, PhD, a mindfulness teacher and a faculty member and researcher at OISE/University of Toronto.
5. "Girls on the Edge":
Our sister program, Girl. Strong., is featured in Dr. Leonard Sax's new book launched just this month 🥳 It's an amazing book on gender issues and definitely a must read for any parent with girls.
*We don't have any business affiliation with all the above resources; they are just our recommendations that we have had success with!
6. Support Communities on Facebook:
This supportive group fosters a learning and sharing environment to teach and educate ourselves and as parents/caregivers to encourage younger generations to understand and appreciate the Chinese culture. It is a central location to consolidate resources, ideas, and discussions.
This is a group for parents and teachers to network and mobilize to ensure our children have a bright year of learning and socializing ahead.
These are two Facebook groups for all Ontario parents suddenly thrust in to homeschooling while schools are closed for Covid-19, and those considering continuing homeschooling next year or beyond. A place to ask questions of our mentors, share resources we find, brainstorm together, and find some camaraderie.
This group is meant to support anyone who finds themselves with their children at home, and who will be learning in their home environment. They may discuss curriculum suggestions, activities, struggles, etc.
They are a welcoming, inclusive and vibrant community located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This group provides members with the space to plan events, share ideas and ask for support of other homeschooling families.
Don't forget, if we can also support you with Mandarin learning programs that can boost your child's language learning this Fall! Find out more at www.pandamandarin.ca.