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Category: Elementary

  • Work Experience and Internships – What’s Available for High Schoolers

    Work Experience and Internships – What’s Available for High Schoolers

    In high school, and sometimes even earlier, many students start to look for summer jobs to earn money and to learn something about working for a living. Sometimes, however, high school students can get involved in special work experience projects and internships. These types of experiences can be very valuable for teaching students the skills they need for the future in settings that help them use these skills later in life.

    Both work experience and internships can be valuable for students who want to start preparing for the future. People sometimes confuse “work experience” and “internship,” since they can often appear to be the same. However, work experience is normally for a shorter period than an internship, and it is usually unpaid. Although many internships are also unpaid, traditionally, the expectation was that internships included at least a small salary to help participants pay their bills while they were in the program.

    Work experience and internships normally involve both practical and theoretical work. It tends to be very practical, with students following workers around to see the job first-hand. Students in these programs might be given projects to complete so that their supervisors can test their progress. For example, a student working at a veterinarian’s office might compile information on certain types of animals, including common illnesses and best treatments.

    Almost any business, school, or government office might have work experience programs or internships. However, some of them are specifically designed to help high school students get the experience they need to help them in their future careers.

    The Crimson Education website lists some of the internships available to high school students in Canada. One example is the SickKids’ Student Advancement in Research (StAR) Internship. This program works through the University of Toronto to help students learn about medical research and to complete a project that uses the skills that they have gained.

    Hamilton also has a summer student program that accepts students aged fourteen or older to learn skills such as communication, collaboration, and time management. Meanwhile, the students also have a chance to meet with potential employers and to receive an assessment of both their strengths and areas that need improvement.

    Although many internships are local, some are open to students from any part of the country. The House of Commons Youth Opportunities program gives high school students the chance for paid internships in areas including computer science, engineering, graphic design, accounting, and many other fields. Students should be at least sixteen years old to participate in this program.

    Many other parts of the country also have opportunities to learn special skills. In British Columbia, for example, Level One of the Youth Employment Program is open to students who have registered for high school in the past six months. The Manitoba government has a High School Apprenticeship Program for the trades, and Saskatchewan has the Saskatchewan Youth Internship Program, also related to the trades. Many other programs are available across the country.

    Being part of a work experience program or internship might seem difficult, but it can be worth the effort. You can already start to look for opportunities wherever you live.

     

    Bibliography

    Crimson Education. “10 Summer Internship Opportunities for Canadian High School Students.” https://www.crimsoneducation.org/ca/blog/internships-for-high-school-students/.

    Government of British Columbia. “Youth Employment Program.”  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/careers-myhr/job-seekers/internship-co-op-opportunities/youth-employment-program.

    Government of Canada. “Students and Graduates—Young Canada Works.” https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/young-canada-works/students-graduates.html.

    Government of Manitoba. “Youth Apprenticeship Programs.” https://www.gov.mb.ca/aesi/apprenticeship/discover/youth/index.html.

    Indeed. “10 Student Internships You Can Consider (With Benefits).” https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/student-internships.

    Saskatoon Industry Education Council. “Saskatchewan Youth Internship Program.” https://saskatooniec.ca/syip/.

    Student World Online. “The Difference Between Work Experience, Internships and Volunteering.” https://www.studentworldonline.com/article/the-difference-between-work-experience-internships-/162/.

    University of Waterloo. “Enrichment Programs for High School and Elementary Students.” https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/visit-waterloo/high-school-enrichment-programs.

  • Get STEM-Inspired Outside of the Classroom with These Activities

    Get STEM-Inspired Outside of the Classroom with These Activities

    Now that summer is closing in, you might be wondering how to continue building your knowledge once classes are over. The good news is, if you have a soft spot for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics or “STEM”, there are plenty of activities for you to enjoy and learn at the same time that you are outside the classroom.

    In fact, some of the inventions that have made the most impact in our lives were conceptualized not inside the classroom but by being outside with nature. For instance, the Wright Brothers spent a lot of time observing birds in flight to create their invention, which we now all know as the airplane. By watching birds closely and how they soar into the wind and change their wings to turn and maneuver, the Wright Brothers developed the concept of obtaining roll control by warping or changing the shape of a portion of a plane’s wing.

    They noticed that birds soared into the wind and that the air flowing over the curved surface of their wings created lift. Birds change the shape of their wings to turn and maneuver. The Wrights believed that they could use this technique to obtain roll control by warping, or changing the shape, of a portion of the wing. Who knew that mere bird watching could lead to something great?

    Here then are activities outside the classroom which can strengthen your STEM knowledge:

    National Parks

    The best way to immerse yourself in nature is through national parks. You will learn more about the inner workings of the environment and ecosystems. Thankfully, Canada has loads and loads of national parks for you to do that and have fun at the same time by hiking, swimming, white water rafting, biking, and so on. Be reminded that if you do plan to head out to a national park, have an adult accompany you and take all the safety precautions, such as packing a sufficient amount of food and drinks and bringing a first aid kit.

    Botanical Gardens

    If hiking or biking is too strenuous for you (or your adult companion), then taking a leisure walk at botanical gardens is a good alternative, while at the same time, you get up close and personal with a wide variety of plants that are collected for scientific, conservation, display, or educational purposes. You have a long list to choose from of the most marvellous botanical gardens in Canada, including the Vandusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver, BC; the Muttart Conservatory in Edmonton, AB; the Assiniboine Park Conservatory in Winnipeg, MB; the Montreal Botanical Garden in Montreal, QC; Memorial University Botanical Garden in St. Johns, NL; Kingsbrae Garden in St. Andrews, NB; and the Toronto Botanical Garden in Toronto, ON.

    Workshops in Communities

    Of course, learning STEM outside the classroom doesn’t always have to involve nature. There’s a plethora of STEM-focused workshops funded by non-profit organizations that cater to kids who are passionate about STEM. For instance, the Hospital for Sick Children or simply SickKids conduct workshops for communities (by request) which include hands-on experiments plus a wide range of demonstrations. All the tools are provided by these organizations, so you wouldn’t have to worry about bringing your own.

    Museums, Science, and Technology Centres

    Canada’s certainly now lacking when it comes to museums and science and technology centres that can bolster your STEM know-how. The Science World at TELUS World of Science and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, both in Vancouver, BC in Vancouver, BC; the Montreal Science Centre in Montreal, QC; the Manitoba Museum in Winnipeg, MB and the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto, ON, all provide insightful and delightful science-centred activities for kids of all ages.

    STEM Kits

    You can also increase your STEM knowledge right at home through STEM kits such as the LittleBits Inventor Kit, perfect for kids aged 8 and up. This kit allows budding inventors to further study their potential, but it comes with a high price tag. For more wallet-friendly options, there’s the Kiwi Crate for all ages that allows you to build a project based on the instructions provided. If you’re more for technology and coding, Tech Will Save Us is the ideal option, and you’ll learn how to build a synth. If you’re more wired for electricity, the Basic Electricity kit is the one for you.

    Now that you know there are plenty of ways to boost your STEM knowledge outside the classroom, are you ready to get inspired now? The world awaits your great idea.

    SOURCES

    https://www.dawn.com/news/1297127

    https://www.todaysparent.com/family/activities/best-botanical-gardens/

    https://www.engadget.com/2019/05/09/best-blended-stem-kits/

  • Babysitting in the Summertime (French version available)

    Babysitting in the Summertime (French version available)

    Getting a babysitting job during the summer is a great way to earn extra cash and pad your resume at the same time. But looking after kids all day, every day, can present unique challenges. Especially on rainy days. Rather than overuse electronics, here is a list of activities that stimulate young brains and provide an outlet for their energy. If your charges are tired and happy after a day with you, their primary caregivers will be grateful!

    Outdoor Games:

    • Paint with no paint. A bucket of water and paint brushes are all you need for this activity. Let the kids “paint” the deck, the driveway, anything at all with the water. On a hot sunny day, the artwork will evaporate quickly, leaving a blank canvas for new creations. And spills are safe!
    • Tag: There are so many variations of tag to play with kids. This camping website (http://www.ultimatecampresource.com/site/camp-activities/tag-games.page-1.html) has the most comprehensive list. My favourite is Toilet Tag.

    “When someone is tagged, they must squat down to form the ‘toilet’ and hold one hand out to the side, like the ‘handle’. To get back into the game, someone must ‘flush’ the frozen person and make a loud ‘Woooooosh’ sound.”- http://www.ultimatecampresource.com/site/camp-activity/toilet-tag.html

    • Clothesline art show: Simply hang the kids’ art from clotheslines, make invitations for their family and friends to come to the art show. Pick a time and make it a big event. This would be fun as one last hurrah before school starts again.

    Rainy Day Activities:

    • For little hands, find a colander and colourful straws. Let them simply put the straws in the holes of the colander. This works on their fine motor skills and makes a really cool hedgehog thing.
    • Build a “fort” with dining room chairs, couch cushions, blankets and pillows. Allow them to populate it with favourite stuffed animals, and use it as a reading nook. For good behaviour, allow a camping-style picnic in their fort. If the storm just won’t pass, name the fort, make a sign and a flag. Decorate with paper chains. Just make sure to clean up before the end of the day.

    When in doubt, remember children have endless imagination. Allow them to guide the play from time to time. Set guidelines like “no electronics,” or “stay in the backyard,” or even “no talking” or “walk backwards,” and see what kinds of games they can make up. I guarantee you will be surprised, and they will have a ton of fun! Never forget the internet is a vast source of inspiration for kids’ games. Look for Girl Guides or Scouts sites or camping websites for ideas. Have fun and stay safe!

  • The Benefits of Going to Summer Camp

    The Benefits of Going to Summer Camp

    School is nearly over, and you no doubt already have Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out” ready to go on your phone for that final locker clean-out moment. With the end of the semester comes an onslaught of expectations of how the next few months are going to go. You want to play with your friends, swim, and maybe make a little money doing some chores so that you can buy that special thing you have been thinking about. But one way to get a heck of a lot out of your summer experience is to go to summer camp. Basically a vacation specifically made for kids, summer camp is a great way to experience time away from your parents and home and explore what life has to offer YOU as an individual.

    New friends and memories

    Something about being away from the social restraints of school builds strong friendships. Summer camp will place you in cabins or bunkers with other kids who are out of their element as well. This builds strong bonds, and camp counsellors will help to ensure that everyone is included. The memories you make at camp are priceless. I promise you that when you are an adult and working, you will look back fondly on those times at camp when your only job was to have fun and make friends. Exchange contact information with your new friends and write about or draw your favourite moments.

    Independence

    At summer camp, you get to make a lot of your own decisions: what food are you going to eat? Which team are you going to join? What craft or music workshops are you interested in? What physical activity are you going to partake in? Which games will you join? Etc. While the camp will provide you with a safe and nurturing environment, your enjoyment is completely up to you. Do not let your friends make these choices for you. Take charge of your camping experience!

    Try new things

    Some camps are western-themed, and you may get the chance to ride or even do gymnastics on a horse! Take chances and try things you would never get to do back home. Camp staff will make sure you are safe, so whether it’s BMXing or joining a play for the first time or something else new and exciting, step out of your comfort zone and take advantage of your temporary summer home.

    Get close to nature and away from technology

    For many people, going to summer camp is learning how to play again. It’s a TV/video game/cellphone-free retreat that throws you right smack in the middle of nature. All you will hear at night is the wind, trees, wildlife and your friends. Stars will be brighter, and you will begin to feel freer. This is the perfect place and time for campfires and sing-alongs, late-night stories and getting to know your new friends. After one summer at camp, you will begin to associate summertime fun with the great outdoors.

    Grow confidence

    Summer camp provides non-competitive activities that are geared towards inclusion and teamwork. With so many options—from zip lining to tubing, etc.—it will be easy to find your niche. Find what you love to do, and that love will follow you back from summer camp to your regular daily home life. Team-building exercises at camp focus on everyone helping to achieve a goal rather than following a leader. This will make you feel confident and help you gain a sense of camaraderie.

  • Career Profile: Film and Video Editor (French version available)

    Career Profile: Film and Video Editor (French version available)

    When you watch a movie, documentary film, or even an advertisement, you normally see something that fits together well with few mistakes. Putting everything together so that it looks good and makes sense is what film and video editors do. If you are creative and detail-oriented, this might be the right job for you.

    Filming a movie or documentary normally takes a lot of work. Very often, people need to redo scenes that did not work properly the first time. With filming wildlife, for example, it can often take hours of waiting and filming to get the right footage. People can often make mistakes, as well, and need to redo a scene or two, or even a whole section. Film and video editors choose the scenes that are supposed to go into the final version and decide what to keep or delete.

    Sometimes, film and video editors might do the filming themselves, but often they work with what someone else has done. Then they try to find ways of fitting the different shots together so that they make sense. Most people in this field have at least a bachelor’s degree in an area related to film and broadcasting. Many universities and some community colleges have three- or four-year programs to teach the skills that people need.

    Every film has a story, even if it is about animals or scientific discoveries. Film and video editors need to be able to see how a story fits together so that the audience can follow what is happening in the program. Seeing the overall theme is important in this job. Sometimes, putting the story together can mean spending hours looking at film footage and deciding what to use. Film and video editors sometimes work with other people, but they should also be able to work alone.

    Although filming can take place outdoors, the editing process normally happens inside a studio. It can take many hours to edit a film, especially removing small slips of the tongue or other mistakes. When a deadline is coming, editors might need to stay at work late into the evening to finish the job. The hours can be erratic since the work often depends on other people’s ability to finish their own part of the project on time.

    Many film and video editors work for movie or documentary companies, but they can also work for universities, private companies, and a variety of organizations. Salaries start at about $30,713 per year and can rise to $60,930 per year. People can continue as long as their vision is reasonably good, and they are physically able to do the work. The job can be stressful, but generally people in this field can work at their own pace.

    Sometimes, work in this field involves consulting other people involved in the process. This can involve waiting for answers and sometimes dealing with other delays. Being able to find other work to do for projects they are working on can help keep film and video editors from wasting too much of their time and having to rush in the end.

    Many people enjoy watching films and videos, but they are rarely part of the process. Working as a film and video editor is one way of seeing the process from the beginning. It might be the right job for you.

     

    Bibliography:

    Indeed.com. “Freelance Videographer and Editor.” https://ca.indeed.com/jobs?q=Film+Editor&redirected=1.

    Job Bank. Film Editor in Ontario. https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/requirements/5379/ON;jsessionid=B6572B8EE560C87CD1D2A154F45B77A2.jobsearch76.

    Ontario Scholarships. “How to Become a Film and Video Editor.” https://ontarioscholarships.ca/wages/career-education/7663/how-to-become-a-film-and-video-editor.

    Production HUB. “About.” https://www.productionhub.com/about.

    Talent.com. “Video Editor Average Salary in Canada 2022.” https://ca.talent.com/salary?job=video+editor.

  • Tips for Practicing French Outside of French Class (French version available)

    Tips for Practicing French Outside of French Class (French version available)

    When learning a new language such as French, people often only practice the language in class. It is important to take some time to practice the language on your own time as well. This will help you improve and learn the language much quicker. If you are wondering how you could practice your French outside of class, the following tips are just for you!

    Watch French Movies/Shows

    Watching movies in French is a great method to practice your French. It is a good way to learn different expressions and vocabulary, as well as listen to how different words are pronounced. You could watch your favourite movies or shows in French with English subtitles or vice versa. This would depend on which one you’re comfortable with. It may be helpful for you to watch a movie or show that you have already watched in English. This will help you understand what is going on, especially if you choose to watch it in French without the English subtitles.

    Listen to French Music

    Listening to music or the radio in French is a very helpful way to practice the language. You could start by listening to current hits and later explore different artists and genres. Lyrics to songs are pretty easy to memorize. This is because they are very repetitive. It may be difficult to memorize the French lyrics at first, but the more you listen to the song, the easier it will be. You could also translate the lyrics from French to English to better understand the song. It will help you learn new words and possibly some French slang!

    Read in French

    Reading in French is another amazing way to continue practicing your French outside of French class. It can help you learn new vocabulary. If you are a beginner, you may want to read something that has many pictures. You may choose to read comics or magazines. There are also books written for French learners. They have translations from French to English and some also include CDs or audios for you to listen to while reading. There are also many books for advanced learners. French books could be found online or at a library.

    Find People to Practice With

    Being able to practice your French with others can be very helpful. If the other person is a native French speaker, you can learn from them. If you are both learning the language, you can learn from each other. You could find and attend French events taking place in your city. There are also free apps that will connect you to others that also want to improve their skill in the language. You could find French people that are looking to improve their English and the two of you could help each other. If you can, you should also travel to French-speaking locations. This is a good way to get yourself out of your comfort zone and speak the language.

    Practice Everyday

    In order to learn a new language, it is very important that you work on it every day. It can be for as little as ten minutes. Don’t be afraid to talk to yourself in French. Try to narrate your daily tasks. You could also talk to your pets or respond to movie characters in French. It can be very easy to forget a language especially if you are not fluent. With time, including French in your daily life will become a habit and it will help you learn much quicker and more efficiently.

    Practicing French in class as well as on your own time will have you easily speaking the language in no time! From now on, try to incorporate French into your daily life. Your future self will definitely thank you for your time and dedication.

     

    Do you want to practice right now? Click the red “En Franćais” button at the top of this page to read the French version of this article. Open it in another window to read the English and French versions side-by-side. Bonne chance!

     

    Resources

    Alpine French School. “Great ways to practice outside your French lesson.” https://alpinefrenchschool.com/blog/great-ways-to-practice-outside-your-french-lesson/#

    Bibard, Frederic. “10 Best Learning Tips Shared By French Learners.” Talk In French. https://www.talkinfrench.com/advice-learning-french/

    Centre International D’Antibes. “10 tips to learn French fast.” https://www.cia-france.com/blog/tips-to-learn-french/tips-to-learn-french-fast/

    Haslett, Jamie. “Practicing French…Outside the Classroom.” French Cultural Center. https://frenchculturalcenter.org/2018/10/15/practicing-frenchoutside-the-classroom/

    Richards, Olly. “10 Tips To Learn French Fast Even if You’re A Language Learning Newbie.” StoryLearning. https://storylearning.com/learn/french/french-tips/learn-french-fast

  • Career Profile: Writers and Authors

    Career Profile: Writers and Authors

    Reading is a normal part of everyday life for many people, but they might not always think about the people who wrote what they are reading. Writers and authors compose stories, write books or articles, plays, or essays, and complete many other documents.

    If you enjoy working with words, becoming an author or writer might be right for you.

    With a novel or book of short stories, you can normally find the author’s name printed on the front cover. These authors have created a story and written it down for others to enjoy. The same is usually true with nonfiction books about animals or subjects like geography or history. That way, readers can find other books by the same author if they like what they have read. Magazine articles or online posts about various subjects often also feature the writer’s name at the top.

    Writing a book is a huge job, involving many hours of planning, writing, editing, and rewriting. Novelists can spend weeks, months, or even years on a single book, making sure that the plot works and that the characters are believable. Writing a nonfiction book can take even longer since the process normally involves researching the subject thoroughly to make sure that the information is correct. Articles can sometimes be very quick to write, but they can also involve hours of research.

    Writing can include much more than books and articles. Some people work as technical writers for companies, composing user manuals or reports on aspects of the company. Writers can work for community centres, grocery stores, car dealerships, governments, consulting firms, or corporations. Some writers work for advertising agencies, where they might compose short poems or jingles for radio or television. Others write plays, manuals, or other documents.

    Working as a writer or author can be a somewhat uncertain career. For book authors, a lot depends on whether a publisher will decide that the book is worth the time, money, and effort of publishing. For other writers, career prospects are generally fair to good in much of Canada.

    Salaries for writers and authors vary widely. For writers working at a business or university, salaries generally start at close to $19 per hour and average $21.50 per hour. However, full-time writing jobs are hard to find and can be quite technical. Many writers have other jobs and do their writing on the side. Even many famous authors of popular books often have another job such as teaching to help pay for daily expenses. Working as a freelance writer is quite common.

    Working conditions for writers and authors can also vary. Some people, especially in areas like technical writing or advertising, might work regular hours in an office where they can consult other people if they need information. For many people in this career, however, writing is a solitary job that they do in the evenings or on weekends when they have spare time.

    Qualifications for writers and authors depend on the job and the circumstances of the work. Technical writers generally need at least a few courses or a certificate in their field, and other writers might need a bachelor’s degree in English. Generally, however, writers and authors need good language skills and the ability to think clearly and logically. Being able to work alone is also important, although writers and authors should also be able to understand and work with other people. Curiosity is a good characteristic for writers and authors.

    The job of a writer or author can include many different activities, but an interest in words is essential for everyone in this field. If you enjoy language and sharing your ideas with others, you should consider becoming a writer or author.

     

    Bibliography:

    Glassdoor.ca. “Career: Writer.” https://www.glassdoor.ca/Career/writer-career_KO0,6.htm.

    Job Bank. “Writer in Canada.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/20925/ca.

    Payscale.com. “Average Writer/Author Salary in Canada.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Writer_%2F_Author/Salary.

  • How Can Anger Tell a Bigger Story About You; What is Hidden Underneath?

    We all know what anger is and what it feels like. Although we all know what anger is and may know some of our triggers, you may not know that when you feel anger, there is something underneath it . This hidden reason can tell a bigger story about you and unlock your true emotions behind that anger.

    Why Do We Feel Anger?

    Anger is a normal feeling that everyone can have, mostly as a response to emotional or physical pain. Whenever we feel angry, there is a hidden meaning underneath that feeling. We don’t always want to show our true feelings, therefore it is much easier to hide those feelings and cover them up with anger. You may not even know yourself, sometimes.

    Think of anger like an iceberg. Most of an iceberg is hidden underwater. Anger is the part of the iceberg that we see above the water and the hidden part could be emotions such as embarrassment, fear, grief, loneliness, trauma, disgust, envy, and more, down below.

    Why Do People Hide Their Feelings?

    Many people hide their true feelings behind their anger. This could be done for several different reasons. These reasons include:

    To cover up their weaknesses. Some people are afraid of showing emotion. They may not want others to see their vulnerabilities. They could be afraid that others will judge them and use their feelings against them.

    To avoid getting their feelings hurt. It is very common for someone to hide their emotions to protect the relationships they have. They may not want to react or speak out about something that bothers them to avoid triggering other topics that may eventually lead to more conflicts.

    To mask their lack of confidence. Some people grow up being told that their feelings are not valid or are criticized for expressing their emotions. Therefore, they begin to mask their emotions from an early age to prevent any more criticism in the future.

    How Does Excessive Anger Affect You?

    Excessive anger and masking your emotions too often can negatively affect your physical and emotional wellbeing. If can lead to the following things:

    A buildup of emotions. Holding back emotions can intensify them. You will eventually have a burst of emotions that may affect anyone who is around you during that time. It is best to let yourself feel the emotion you are feeling at that moment.

    Strained relationships. When you hide your feelings from others, you may think you are protecting the relationships in your life. Although you may tell people you are fine and that nothing is wrong, those who know you can sense that something isn’t right. If they notice that you aren’t telling them the truth, they might feel hurt and can begin to lose trust in you.

    Early death. Suppressing emotions can cause stress that may linger in your body. With time, all the stress can contribute to diabetes, sleep issues, high blood pressure, and heart problems.

    How Can You Stop Suppressing Your Emotions?

    Learning how to stop suppressing your emotions can be difficult, especially when you have been doing it for the majority of your life. It takes time and effort. These strategies can help you to learn to share your feelings openly.

    Practice mindfulness! Mindfulness is an exercise in which the person learns to focus only on what they are doing in the present moment. Sitting with emotions allows you to fully experience and deeply understand them.

    Talk to a therapist! Talking to a therapist can help you learn how to express your emotions, offer strategies to cope with intense emotions, and address any mental health symptoms linked to your hidden emotions.

    Remember that your emotions are valid and it is perfectly okay to feel show vulnerability. As long as you can eventually calm yourself down and resolve any issues, then you will be okay. If you need any help dealing with your emotions, don’t be ashamed to seek help!

    Resources:

    https://www.gottman.com/blog/the-anger-iceberg/

    https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/hiding-feelings

    https://www.mentalhelp.net/anger/

  • Why Should You Do Something That Scares You a Little?

    Why Should You Do Something That Scares You a Little?

    You have probably heard the saying “face your fears” several times in your life. To achieve your dreams, you will need to get past any fears. When afraid we can respond with fight, flight, or freeze. How we respond to fear is very important. If it is safe, it is important to learn how to tackle your fears. Do something that scares you a little. Start small then work your way up to something bigger.

    Here are five reasons why you should try something that scares you a little:

    Our Dreams Never Die

    We all have dreams. Sometimes our fears get in the way of achieving those dreams. Just because we are afraid of things that keep us from having our dreams come true, doesn’t mean that our dreams just disappear. They will stay in the back of our minds reminding us that it is still not achieved. If we don’t try to get past our fears, we won’t be able to achieve that dream.

    Grow as a Person and Gain New Experiences

    Fears exist to protect us. It can also hold us back from certain events that help us grow as a person and experience new things. By doing new things, you can gain a new perspective on yourself, others, and the world.

    Scary Things in Life Aren’t Always as Scary as You May Think

    Were you ever afraid of something and as time went by, you noticed that it isn’t as scary as it once seemed? Maybe you were afraid of the monsters on TV as a child and as you grew older you realized that there was nothing to be afraid of. Our imaginations are capable of making things appear much scarier than they are. The more you do things that scare you, the easier and less scary they’ll be.

    Live a Life With No Regrets

    Don’t wait until it is too late to do what you want to do just because you gave fear the power. When you are no longer able to do that certain thing anymore, you may have to deal with regret. Regret is a terrible feeling. It doesn’t feel good when you look back at certain memories and all you can wonder is “what if?”. You can avoid having that thought by not listening to fear. When you listen to fear, you are giving it power.

    You Can’t Succeed Without Failing

    It is common for people to have a fear of failure. The thing people forget is that without failing you can’t succeed. Failure helps us grow and learn what is it that we need or don’t need to do the next time. Without failure, we can’t learn how to improve for us to succeed.

    Sometimes fear makes us do the opposite of the things that are best for us. Don’t let fear drag you down. If you ever need some motivation, remember this quote by Eleanor Roosevelt:

    “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”

    Resources

    https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dont-try-harder-try-different/201202/do-something-scares-you

    https://medium.com/@LollyDaskal/this-is-why-you-should-do-one-thing-every-day-that-scares-you-f5d486056eb3

  • History Is Fun!

    History Is Fun!

    Not only can we learn from history, but history makes us who we are!

    There are people who think history is boring – and sometimes it is.  For some people, history is just about remembering a lot of dates.  What happened on the 10th of July in 2003?  Who knows?  But history is more than just a bunch of dates.  History is also the story of the world. How do we know who we are without it?

    Think about it: what would your answer be if someone asked you,“who are you?”  Would you tell them you are a human who lives in North America on the planet Earth?  Or would it be a little more personal?  Maybe you would say, “I’m Anna.  I’m Brad and Janet Duffy’s daughter.  I am in the 6th grade at Sir John A. MacDonald Elementary School.”  I think most people would say something like that if they were asked who they were – and that is history!  History is simply a story and it can be as short as what you did last night or as long as all the books in the library combined.

    Now that we know what history is, the next thing we need to figure out is: why is history important?  Well, just like how knowing your own history tells you who you are, the history of a country tells us who the people of that country are and world history tells us who the people of Earth are. History gives people a shared story, one they can gather around and celebrate.  For example, your family may have its own traditions and heritage, but on Canada Day we are all celebrating the same thing.

    You may still be wondering, however, why history is an important subject to study in school.  Along with teaching us who we (and others) are, history also teaches us many important lessons.  You have probably heard the old saying that we learn from our mistakes and it is true – everyone learns from their mistakes!  Well, you can consider history a record of some of the greatest mistakes and successes ever made.  Imagine if your parents never taught you to look both ways before you crossed the road?  I bet you’re glad they did!

    Humanity has come as far as it has thanks to our unique ability to learn from the past.  And that is not just from our mistakes, but from the mistakes of others, too. This is something we should never stop doing!  So whether it is the story of your summer or ancient history, remember that history is our story and we can learn from it.