Preserving Democracy Through Education and Art

Healing Trauma Through Inclusion & Math Instruction

In this episode, the author explains why Math Instruction might just be the answer to helping kids heal from trauma and develop executive functioning skills. 

She uses modern research to explain what types of behaviour can be expected from trauma inflicted students and outlines effective strategies that teachers and educators can use to create safe and inclusive spaces for these individuals. 

 In her final segment she reflects on research to explain how Math Instruction can be used to help trauma inflicted students develop critical thinking in applying their math understandings to complex problems involving social justice and universal events.

 

Comedy & Critical Thinking

In this May long weekend special, the author reflects on a recent comedy show in Halifax, N.S. to describe the integral role art plays in empowering individuals and society as a whole.  

Battling a cold she, specifically, describes the art of improvisation in stand up comedy and reflects on its invaluable role in helping individuals take risks, persevere and succeed.

Holiday Special & Seasons Greetings

In this episode the author winds down the year with serious discussions about the music industry, homelessness, food scarcity and high grocery prices. 

The second half of this segment entails solutions to help with the latter and a (true) charming story about an investment in people.

Finally, she ends the show with a warm holiday greeting and a shoutout to anyone who has to work during the holiday.

Thanksgiving Episode

During the Thanksgiving weekend, the author revisits the broad theme of democracy and the importance of questioning current systems in place. The opening features Leonard Cohen's song, 'democracy' and discusses his contributions as a Canadian poet and musician. (Specifically, the creative way he questions democracy by bringing light to social injustices that invariably exist within it).

A large discussion about homelessness is also featured with some ideas to help solve this issue.

Tied in with themes of questioning the status quo, she features one of her amusing clips about a discussion that took place in a lecture about the pop culture icon, 'Barbie.' 

She concludes the show by discussing the important role of art in preserving our democracy and its contributions at large. She closes with the song: 'Invisible man' written by another local and Canadian musician: 'Ripping Hearts.' 

Revisiting the Past to Define Social Justice & Equity in Education

In this episode, the host reflects on her past and current role as a teacher to interpret key concepts about social justice and equity in education.

Her interpretation of these concepts stem from literature, presentations, videos, and discussions from a graduate course.

The host revisits her experiences by reflecting on defining moments in her education. In doing so, she identifies many factors that researchers attribute to a student’s success: community support, classroom environments, teacher attitudes/approaches, perceived competence, and an overall sense of well being. Revisiting these experiences with an awareness of these factors has allowed her to view her past through a new lens and make some sense of these defining moments.

She concludes her reflection by forming some important connections between her past, course content and current role as an educator. Many social justice and equity themes in the classroom pop up in this segment.

Finally, she emphasizes the utmost importance of listening to students and building relationships with them to figure out what ‘works for them’ in their journey towards success.  

 

 

 

New Years Episode

This episode features an updated discussion about social media, and the powerful role that art and education play in informing people about important issues in society. 

 

 

 

Democracy Defined

This episode features a discussion about democracy and what it means to be a critical thinker in today's society. 

A Tribute to T.V. Moms and Dads

This episode features a special tribute to T.V. Moms and Dads along with a standing ovation for Canada's first female to lead a major political party in Canada.

 

Later on in the episode, the host playfully reflects on the way climate brings people together in Canada and other places in the world.

 

The final segment discusses the importance of keeping in contact and supporting one another during a these turbulent times. 

Halloween Special

This episode features a discussion about the difficult concept of change and its necessity for personal, (and societal growth). During the episode, the author briefly reflects on Covid and the adverse effects it has had on peoples lives. The episode closes on a surprisingly optimistic note about adversity and a gift idea for her birthday at the end.

 

Democracy 101

In this episode, the author discusses the broad theme of democracy and reflects on historical events in defining it. Many forms of artwork come to light in this episode while the author rationalizes how important it is for people to express themselves, share their stories and feel heard.

The final segment entails a reflection of how the last few years, in particular, have motivated the author not to take one's freedom and democracy for granted.