Including Every Child

Introduction

Each child has their own look, size, shape, colour, interests, skills, talents, and dreams. It’s up to parents and teachers to teach the value of our differences, and how to appreciate and celebrate them.

Living in a culturally-diverse society, being surrounded by media images of super-thin models, and being exposed to violence on television and violence in the real world, can test our values. When you see or hear things that concern you, take the opportunity to discuss what you expect from your child and listen to your child’s concerns.

Say 'No' To Bullying

Bullying is a form of violence. It may lead to serious forms of anti-social behaviour. Bullying may be physical, emotional, or verbal. It may involve name-calling, ethnic slurs, teasing, taunting, threatening, hitting, stealing, extortion of money, assault, jostling, swarming, intimidation, or tantrums.

Bullying is serious. Many people think bullying or being bullied is just part of growing up. But children who are bullies often grow up to become abusive adults, or may become involved in violent crime. Some studies indicate that thirty to forty percent of children who have problems with aggression retain these problems as adults.

Violent behaviours interfere with a child’s ability to develop social skills and learn.

What can parents do?

It is crucial that children are not labeled as bullies or victims. Focus instead on behaviours, impact of actions, and reactions.

Parents and school working together can teach listening skills, problem-solving skills, and personal and social skills such as negotiation, conflict resolution, and simple courtesy. Parents and teachers can model appropriate behaviour and self-discipline. Children can be taught that bullying is not acceptable, and that consequences are in place.

Additional tips for parents:

• provide clear rules against aggression
• intervene when you observe unacceptable behaviour
• praise appropriate behaviour
• talk and listen to your child; encourage your child to talk about their feelings and problems
• monitor television viewing; encourage discussion about program content
• provide opportunities for your child to join organized groups or clubs in which they can develop social skills
• be consistent with consequences such as loss of privileges for unacceptable behaviour

Teaching Children About Cultural Diversity

Cultural diversity, whether it be in your background or in your community, has a tremendous influence on the choices your child makes regarding the clothes they wear, the music they listen to, the technology they use and the television they watch. All children should be introduced to and taught to recognize and respect the cultural diversity that is in their province and country.

• Teach your child that cultures are dynamic and that people in different cultures have preserved traditions despite overwhelming pressures to assimilate.
• Provide books, dolls, toys, wall decorations such as painting, drawings, photographs, welcome signs, TV programs, and CDs that reflect racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity.
• Expose your child to a variety of real life role models to demonstrate the possibilities for their own future.
• Make it a firm rule that a person’s identity is never an acceptable reason for teasing or rejecting them.
• Your child will learn from open, honest discussions of differences, prejudice, and the unfairness of biases. Answer their questions carefully. Listen with empathy to what your child may want to know and what your child is feeling.
• Help your child learn the difference between feelings of superiority and feelings of self-esteem. Teach your child how to feel good about themselves without feeling that they are better than others.
• Nurture a sense of responsibility for addressing racism. Teach your child the importance of change in making a better society.

National Aboriginal Day

National Aboriginal Day is June 21st. It’s a day Canadians celebrate the cultures and contributions to Canada of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

National Aboriginal Day is part of the annual nation-wide Celebrate Canada! festivities held from June 21 to July 1. They begin with National Aboriginal Day, are followed by St-Jean Baptiste Day, Canadian Multiculturalism Day, and conclude with Canada Day.

Learn more about the significance of National Aboriginal Day and the many Canada-wide events that are being held by visiting the National Aboriginal Day page on this site.

Body Image Brochure

Body image is a person’s inner perception of their own body. Body image includes physical appearance, physical maturation, race, ethnicity, and abilities.

The ETFO conducted world-wide research to study body image. One of the most significant findings was that body image concerns develop at a very early age – four or five years old.

The Body Image Brochure is part of a comprehensive educational project for students in grades one to eight to address the complex issue of body image.

Helping Children Feel Safe in Uncertain Times

The uncertainty of war in Iraq, along with memories of terrorist attacks, may be causing anxiety to children and adults.

Armed conflict is a difficult subject. Talking about peace is a good start.

Read this document for suggestions for ways in which teachers and parents can help children feel safe and build respect for themselves and others. The document contains suggestions for books, curriculum resources for teachers, videos, and online resources.