For Parents
THE IMPORTANCE OF CONNECTING TO NATURE
“The Importance of Connecting to Nature”, written by Tracey Gilmour for Ever Active Schools. Originally published in Healthy Schools Alberta Magazine Winter 2018 edition. This article has been modified from its original format. “IMAGINE A WORLD… in which all children grow up with a deep understanding of the world around them. Where [health concerns] are…
Read MoreWALKING YOUR WAY TO A MINDFUL STATE
Written by Chesa Peter, School Health Facilitator, Ever Active Schools. Originally published in Healthy Schools Alberta Magazine Special Edition: Active Transportation IN RECENT YEARS, THE NUMBER OF STUDIES ON MINDFULNESS WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF EDUCATION HAS INCREASED DRAMATICALLY. Many studies have demonstrated strong correlations between mindfulness practice and cognitive outcomes such as improved attention and…
Read MoreEXPLORING LOOSE PARTS PLAY AT HOME
WITH THE RECENT NEWS OF CLASSES BEING CANCELLED AND CHILDREN AND YOUTH SPENDING MORE TIME AT HOME OR AWAY FROM SCHOOL, LOOSE PARTS PLAY IS ONE OPPORTUNITY TO ENGAGE IN A VARIETY OF PLAY EXPERIENCES! Loose parts play is an unstructured, free play opportunity for children, youth and adults. The play must be child-directed, freely-chosen…
Read MoreCELEBRATING NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
It is our hope that every student in Alberta experience the diversity of Indigenous cultures on National Indigenous Peoples Day! Every year on June 21, schools all across the nation take the opportunity to celebrate Indigenous culture and history.
Read MoreMENTORING RESOURCES AND THE ALBERTA MENTORING PARTNERSHIP
Submitted by Alberta Mentoring Partnership MENTORING IS AN EVIDENCE-BASED STRATEGY THAT SUPPORTS STUDENTS’ MENTAL HEALTH, SENSE OF BELONGING AND CONNECTEDNESS, ENGAGEMENT AND ATTENDANCE, HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION AND ULTIMATELY SUCCESS IN AND BEYOND SCHOOL. In addition, mentoring contributes to a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment. The Alberta Mentoring Partnership (AMP) is a network of…
Read MoreINNOVATIVE IDEA: HELOISE LORIMER SCHOOL
WELCOME TO OUR NEW INNOVATIVE IDEAS SERIES! We’ll be posting interviews and stories from school health champions from across Alberta. We hope you’ll find their ideas inspiring and informative, and that they’ll spark some great ideas of your own! Our first idea is from Adam Pratt, a Physical Education teacher at Heloise Lorimer School in…
Read More4 ONLINE RESOURCES FOR ADDING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY TO YOUR AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM
Written by: Louise McClelland, Projects Coordinator, Ever Active Schools There are more than 1,000 after-school programs operating in Alberta. These spaces are the perfect place for children and youth to engage in a variety of physical activities outside of school. Recent Stats Canada data tells us that only about one third of Canadian children are…
Read MoreHELPING STUDENTS (AND OURSELVES) MANAGE STRESS: TOOLS FOR RESILIENCE AND GOOD MENTAL HEALTH
Written by: Cindy Andrew, The Psychology Foundation of Canada Stress can be a great thing. But when we experience too much of it, especially on a chronic basis, it can lead to serious problems in the short run and over the long haul. Let’s start with the basics and then explore how we can help…
Read More13 TIPS AND IDEAS FOR CELEBRATING NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY IN YOUR SCHOOL
Written by Sissy Thiessen, Resiliency Coordinator, Ever Active Schools Every year on June 21, schools all across the nation take the opportunity to celebrate Indigenous culture, history and contributions for National Indigenous Peoples Day. A way that many schools commemorate this special day is by hosting school-wide activities and celebrations. Many Alberta school jurisdictions have…
Read MoreCOPPERFIELD SCHOOL – WALKING SCHOOL BUS LAUNCH
Written by: Tracey Coutts, Active School Travel Coordinator, Ever Active Schools SHAPE’S WALKING SCHOOL BUS MASCOT HAS FOUND A NEW HOME IN CALGARY’S COPPERFIELD SCHOOL! On Monday, April 9, 2018, over 50 students, families, school administrators, staff, and other important guests gathered for the launch of the school’s Walking School Bus initiative. This initiative…
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