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Parents beware: prescription drugs are being sold at school

Susan Cumberland October 9, 2015

It’s no secret drugs and alcohol sometimes find their way into school grounds. Most parents are aware of the fact that children, particularly high school students, will encounter substances such as marijuana and booze. However, authorities have begun to notice a newer trend — prescription drugs are being sold at school to students now as well.

Which prescription drugs are being sold to students?

While it’s unclear exactly how many times people sell prescription drugs in schools, canadadrugfree.org says 450,000 Canadian kids have taken medication not prescribed to them. One particular type of drug frequently exchanged is the medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactive disorder, or ADHD, according to insideADHD.org. Students have been caught selling and buying drugs such as adderall and ritalin.

Why are prescription drugs sold to students at school?

Drugs used to treat ADHD are favoured particularly in college campuses because they act as performance enhancers that increase mental focus and productivity, according to HerCampus.com. The article says some students believe they study better with adderall and ritalin, which isn’t a surprise considering these stimulants are designed to help people focus. It’s little wonder the use of these drugs is highest in the most academically competitive universities.

And this is not a small problem — The Daily Beast reports two-thirds of college students are offered either adderall or a similar drug by their senior year. This is not without consequence. The Partnership to End Addiction says that between 2005 and 2010 emergency room visits related to people abusing ADHD medications almost tripled.

Problems arise when students take adderall without professional guidance

It’s good to keep in mind there is nothing inherently wrong with adderall and ritalin — when used properly, these stimulants can be effective tools to help people with legitimate mental health problems function.

But when used without proper medical supervision, there can be negative consequences. These drugs are designed to calm people with ADHD by increasing the amount of dopamine in their brain. But people who do not have attention deficit problems could end up with too much dopamine in their system after ingesting the drug. That’s because these medications are designed to compensate for people who inherently have less dopamine than usual.

The bottom line — people who abuse the drug may experience less focus and more restlessness, along with some possible side effects that you can find listed at addictionhope.com.

What parents can do to prevent to prevent prescription drug abuse

Parents would do well to educate their children on the effects of prescription drug abuse in schools. One of the most common fallacies is that prescription drugs are ‘safe,’ because they are given by doctors. According to the Daily Beast article we mentioned above, 81 per cent of students think using prescription drugs without a doctor’s approval or guidance is not dangerous. And while some side effects aren’t serious, there is always a chance of getting a more severe reaction to a drug like adderall. Some examples from the addictionhope.com article we mentioned above include paranoia and even seizures. So be proactive — make sure you dispel notions that a drug is completely safe just because it can be prescribed.

How to teach kids playground safety

Susan Cumberland October 2, 2015

It’s just about every parent’s worst nightmare — you let your children go out and enjoy the playground, you turn your head for a second and one of your kids has hurt themselves. The Canadian Paediatric Society says at least 29,000 children under 15 are forced to go to the emergency room for playground injuries each year. Now we don’t want you to be too alarmed — this only accounts for less than one per cent of children in Canada, but it’s still a good idea to teach kids playground safety.

Establish clear boundaries for children on the playground

According to a CBC news report, the number of playground injuries has been increasing steadily over the years. While it’s still unclear exactly what is causing this trend, some experts in the above report believe it has to do with playground design. Equipment for different age groups is sometimes grouped closely together. So for example, a 5-year-old may be tempted to use monkey bars designed for 10 to 12-year-olds. Since it’s probable that the bars will be higher and more difficult to climb, the 5-year-old has an increased chance of getting hurt on the playground.

Get involved in playground design and safety— go to school parental advisory meetings

One possible way to address this problem would be to get involved in the playground design process. If a school has announced that it will be building a new playground, participating in parental advisory meetings can be a good start. Voice your opinion and ask schools to increase distance between equipment meant for older kids and equipment meant for younger children.

However, if a school has already built a playground with older kids’ equipment close to the younger children’s play area, that may not be an option. In this case, you’ll simply have to teach kids safety on the playground by showing them which toys are appropriate for their age and which aren’t. Go to the school playground on a weekend and point it out to your children.

Showing proper play techniques is a great way to teach kids playground safety

A lot of playground injuries can be prevented by teaching children proper playground conduct in a jungle-gym type of area, or even in general play spaces. While many kids are capable of figuring out how to behave themselves in a playground, it’s best to go over these seemingly common-sense rules to be extra safe. The Alberta Health Services website has a great guide which gives some good pointers:

Some examples include:

Waiting your turn
No pushing, shoving or tripping
Keep ropes and scarves away from playground equipment and fences
Keep clear of moving things
Hold on with both hands when swinging or climbing
Only one person on the slide at a time
Slide down feet first and sitting up

Pay special attention to how your kids use equipment like playground nets or monkey bars. A study published in Paediatric Child Health says falling from equipment is the main cause of playground injuries.

Stay vigilant when your child is on the playground

There are some occasions when a parent can find something inherently dangerous in a playground. Whether it’s a broken swing or broken glass, you’d do well to report it to local authorities. If you don’t know where to start, Safe Kids Canada is a great place to go. Call them at 1-888-SAFE-TIPS, 1-888-723-3847.

Focused science lesson: teaching kids about salmon controversies during the B.C. salmon run

Susan Cumberland September 11, 2015

The annual salmon run has either started or will be starting in many parts of British Columbia. These fish will be travelling to reach their breeding grounds. This is a great opportunity to teach students about the B.C. salmon run, and the issues surrounding salmon. Learning about this event can educate kids on the province’s ecosystem, global warming and the environment. It can also introduce kids to the idea of political debate. It can show how governments can step in to interfere in the lives of their subjects, in a way that is tangible to kids.

First things first: where can you watch the B.C. salmon run?

You can watch the salmon run up close and personal at any spawning stream in the province. During the run, salmon travel up B.C.’s rivers to find the original place where they were birthed. This is a process called natal homing. Once salmon arrive at their destination, they dig a small nest called a redd and lay their eggs.

Spawning streams and the rivers leading up to them are often the best place to get a look at the salmon run. But if you don’t have access to a spawning stream, there are also plenty of hatcheries that you can visit. Take a look at this government list to figure out the stream, river or hatchery closest to you.

Fish ladders are also a great place to observe salmon. They are passageways that mimic rivers. These structures are built in areas where dams or other facilities have prevented salmon from accessing their spawning grounds. Think of it like a highway, but for salmon! Hell’s Gate in Boston Bar , B.C. (near Hope) has one you can check out while also taking a ride on the airtram.

But what if you want to watch salmon runs in other parts of Canada?

The same principles apply. Both Pacific and Atlantic salmon go back to their birthplace to spawn. Spawning streams, hatcheries and fish ladders are the best places to view the run, regardless of where you are in Canada. Salmon Atlas has a fantastic collection of maps that show where you can watch the fish.

Teaching the importance of salmon in our history, culture and food system

It’s important for kids to know that salmon isn’t always as available as we want it to be for a food source. And usually, our human behaviour is at the centre of this problem. This has caused multiple political discussions, especially when salmon populations decline significantly. Historically, government regulations have had to control our fishing habits. In fact, that’s what salmon hatcheries are for! When you visit a hatchery, make sure your kids know it’s not just a zoo or museum, but that it has a real purpose – to keep us fed!

But salmon is not likely to fall out of our diets soon. Salmon essential to First Nations culture, and our government sees that as an important practice to protect, despite the disputes it has caused. Ask your kids how they feel about conflict over fishing. Do they know why First Nation people are allowed some rights that other Canadians aren’t? What’s their take on this? Try not to induce opinions, but see what your kids or students might say. It can help you learn about their thought processes.

Aside from that, salmon farms are another way of producing fish, which may be hard to imagine after watching such strong fish freely swim upriver. Some kids may have heard about this term, “wild salmon.” What does that mean? Why do restaurants and grocery stores need to point out that a salmon is “wild” in order for you to want to buy it? This is another controversial topic that kids can be introduced to. While a health debate may be premature, an understanding of our food supply system can help draw a fuller picture for kids who may not yet know how a salmon dinner landed on their plate one evening!

Teach students about the B.C. salmon run’s relationship to the ecosystem

Learning about the salmon run is crucial to learning about how British Columbia’s environment works. For example, many predators depend on the salmon run as a source of food. Bears can often be seen waiting at a river to snatch the fish. If children are interested in learning about this, the BBC has a great video clip they can check out. Eagles spend a lot of time perched in the trees, looking for carcasses to eat because the fish die after they spawn, while seagulls or other birds hover together to eat eyeballs and other parts. The dead salmon contribute to the nitrogen cycle of the surrounding area. Their bodies fertilize the trees help allow rich foliage to grow.

How the salmon run relates to global warming

You can even use the salmon run as an educational tool to show the effects of global warming. The Vancouver Observer reports higher temperature caused by climate change can hurt the salmon run. Water temperature becomes warmer and salmon get more stressed under these conditions. It’s easier for them to die on the journey, and CBC reports we are seeing that happen right now. Record droughts we’ve encountered this year are also lowering the river and stream levels, making it harder for the fish to swim.

Be proactive!

The value of teaching kids about the B.C. salmon run is that it has so many lessons attached to it. Students get to learn about the food chain, the nitrogen cycle and global warming at the same time! If kids show interest, take them to see a fish ladder, spawning stream or hatchery!

Personal growth lessons kids can learn when kayaking

Susan Cumberland September 4, 2015

Kayaking is a great summer activity that the whole family can enjoy. It can also be a chance for students to learn something new over the summer! In addition to being a fun way to enjoy the sun and get some exercise, there are a number of life lessons kids can learn when kayaking.

Lessons from the history of kayaking

But first, a little history lesson. According to Howstuffworks.com, Kayaks were first built by the Inuit and the Aleuts, which were both indigenous peoples who lived in the Arctic. These boats were made from the scarce resources that could be found in the tundra. Often, kayaks were built with frames of light driftwood or whalebone. Tribe members would then stretch animal skins over the structures. Seal bladders filled with air would be tucked into the fore and aft sections.

Why are these important kayaking details to teach your kids? Because learning about the ingenuity of the kayak’s design is a good example of how something can be made from almost nothing. Furthermore, it shows children the value of conserving — every part of an animal was used for something. That’s a very important lesson to learn in today’s world, where environmental problems are becoming a big concern.

Mindfulness can be a big life lesson kids can learn when kayaking

The history of kayaking can serve as a powerful example of resourcefulness, but once the paddle hits the water, there are plenty of other lessons to learn. Kayaking can be great for teaching focus. When first starting off, children must learn how to stay balanced on the boat. They must also maintain good technique and form while navigating waters that can be turbulent.

Because kayaking can demand a lot of attention, this sport is a great opportunity to teach mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness is a practice that has been shown to provide clinical benefits such as better concentration. In addition it boosts mental and physical health. In a nutshell, it is the act of giving intense focus to the present moment. We’d recommend trying it out!

Kayaking can help kids face fear

Kayaking sometimes puts riders in uncomfortable situations. Rivers, for example, can offer some pretty bumpy rides and are dangerous on occasion. Obviously, we don’t recommend overwhelming your children by throwing them into the rapids, but small challenges can provide opportunity for personal growth.

Possibly one of the most important kayaking lessons for kids is showing them how to face fear. Breathing exercises, identifying the source of worries and problem-solving are just some examples of coping techniques you can teach your kids. Psychology Today also has a thoughtful example regarding how kayaking through keeper holes, which are like whirlpools, can be a great metaphor for facing fear.

Put the kayaking lessons to the test!

Once you’ve gone over some of the lessons in this article, see if they stick when kayaking! When paddling through the water, try stopping every once in a while and ask your children if they are practising mindfulness. Are they paying attention to their surroundings or are they getting lost in too much thought? If they encounter obstacles like a tricky route in a river, ask them if fear is getting in the way. Then remind them of the coping techniques you taught them. Kayaking is a great way to spur personal growth!

Focused math lesson — using bowling to teach math to students

Susan Cumberland August 21, 2015

$Focused math lesson$

We’re going to build on an idea we discussed about math and baseball a few weeks ago on this blog, which was to use passion as fuel for learning. As we’ve mentioned before, lessons can be more effective when they are paired with a fun activity. So today, we’ll explore the idea of using bowling to teach math to students.

It’s easy to think of bowling as a strictly recreational activity. But bowling teaches students arithmetic, geometry and many other mathematical principles.

How to teach students arithmetic using bowling

Bowling relies on math to keep track of the scores during a game. All you need to do is look at a scorecard and this will become apparent. Probably the most basic method of using bowling to teach students math is showing students the score system. Filling out a scorecard requires sharp arithmetic, particularly addition and subtraction. There are a number of intricacies to tallying up points — or pins, as bowlers like to call them — which require a bit of study.

If you look at a scorecard, you’ll see 10 frames. Each frame denotes one round. If you don’t get a strike or spare, you get two opportunities to knock down the pins during each frame, or round. Every pin is worth one point.

Teach students arithmetic using bowling — Photo Credit: chispita_666

When you hit all of the pins in your first roll, that’s called a strike. Strikes are scored as a 10, which is the maximum number of pins that can be knocked down. This is written as an X on the score sheet. If you get a strike, you still get two chances to knock down 10 pins. So at most, you can get 30 points per round, because 10+10+10 = 30.

If it takes you two rolls to hit all 10 pins down, that’s called a spare, and it’s written on the card as a ‘/’. You will still get a third roll. The best score you can get while with a spare is 20, because the first two rolls will be 10, plus an additional 10 on your third roll.

If you don’t get a strike or a spare, then you only get two rolls during your frame, or round. Simply add up the pins that you knocked down. For example, 3 pins during the first roll plus 3 during the roll afterwards is 6 for the round.

Relate bowling to a ‘real’ math lesson — Photo Credit: Valerie Reneé

Using bowling to teach math to students can be fun!

Now it’s time to head over to the bowling alley! Ask your students to play a game, and make sure everyone gets a chance to keep score. Every time a student rolls the ball, ask the kids how many pins were knocked down. Ask them to use addition and subtraction to come up with the score for each frame. Quiz them on how strikes or spares can change the score. Ask them what a ‘perfect’ game scores like (answer: it’s (10+10+10) x 10 = 300). Make it a group learning activity!

Relate bowling to a ‘real’ math lesson

The next step is to show kids how their new bowling-scoring skills relate to math assignments. If children get stuck on an arithmetic problem, show them that doing addition and subtraction is no different from scoring a game of bowling!

Many teachers may be pleasantly surprised to notice their students’ adding and subtracting skills improve!

See related posts on our education blog:

Ideas on teaching religious tolerance to kids

Susan Cumberland August 7, 2015

Religion remains a hot topic of debate. And with news headlines constantly attributing acts of terror to extremist religious groups, it can be easy for some of us to become afraid or even hostile towards people of some religions. The Westboro Baptist Church and the Islamic State, or ISIS, are two examples. Some who see the controversial things the Westboro Baptist Church says may think Christians are divisive and angry. Some people may get the same impressions about Islam by watching footage of ISIS. So in this article, we’ll explore the idea of teaching religious tolerance to kids.

To be clear, teaching religious tolerance to kids is a very complicated matter — it can’t be completely addressed in one blog post. But we’d like to give some suggestions that may help get a productive discussion started.

Understanding why we stereotype other people is important when teaching religious tolerance to kids

Stereotyping other people happens all the time, regardless of whether we like it or not, and regardless of whether we are talking about religions or not. This can be an unfortunate part of our world, but it’s important to remember people who hold stereotypical views against others aren’t necessarily bad.

Psychology Today says stereotyping is often inevitable. According to the theory of evolution — and we tolerate that there are other theories counter to this — it is a natural human instinct that helped us survive for thousands of years. When our ancestors were still living in caves, it probably helped to categorize things based on limited interactions. For example, it’s probable not all sabre-toothed tigers liked human meat, but if a caveman saw one tiger eat a person, it was likely a smart decision to avoid petting all tigers in the future!

This was a great quality to have in the past, but in today’s world, it can be a problem. This is an important point to note when teaching religious tolerance to kids.

The theory of evolution suggests that stereotyping didn’t hinder us much in ancient times because we usually lived in small groups of people who had similar physical features and beliefs (e.g. families, tribes). But in the present day, we are encountering a huge amount of people from around the world who have different values and appearances. Furthermore, it’s usually rare for our interactions to be life-and-death scenarios.

It might be a good idea to explain this to your kids. It could be productive to tell your children stereotyping isn’t evil but that it is an ancient survival mechanism. This realization will help students realize all of us have to guard against stereotypical beliefs about people, and that we should show tolerance — not hate — even to those who are misguided by prejudicial beliefs about religions.

Ask your children what (if any) stereotypical views they may have about religions

Talk to your kids about negative religious stereotypes. Ask them if watching the news, TV or movies make them feel scared, anxious or even angry towards people who practice a religion. Keep in mind you may have to rephrase this question in many different ways. For example, ‘are you afraid of X religious group’ may not get an answer. But asking children if they are afraid of people who wear X clothing may help your kids start a discussion. When teaching religious tolerance to kids, rephrasing questions can be crucial to having a productive conversation.

Compare your kids’ experience with media portrayals of religions

The final step to teaching religious tolerance to kids is getting them to compare their experiences with what they see and hear in the media. Ask your children if they know anyone who practises a religion that is represented negatively in the news. Are these acquaintances or friends as bad as TV might make them out to be? And if your kids have had negative experiences with people who practice a certain religion, ask them if that means all people of that religion are bad.

Keep asking thoughtful questions. Be attentive and ‘read in between the lines’ of what your kids are saying. Intelligent discussion is often a great way to teach religious tolerance to kids!