From the YouTube description: Today’s math curriculum is teaching students to expect — and excel at — paint-by-numbers classwork, robbing kids of a skill more important than solving problems: formulating them. At TEDxNYED, Dan Meyer shows classroom-tested math exercises that prompt students to stop and think.

I like the way Dan talks about “patient problem solving.” How can we support this in everyday life?

This video makes me stop and think about more than just math class. I pay attention to the ways I speak with my kids. I ask more questions and I “command” less. I loved a short post by Alec Couros recently, about a trip to the grocery store with his son – and how he “messed up” a great learning opportunity by immediately finding an answer on his iPhone instead of wondering… He’s so right – we need to wonder with our kids. I notice that my kids ask questions of me more often now – or come up with wonderful solutions to our day to day disagreements!

And I like the conversations that we “fall” into as a result…

Hosted by the Coquitlam District Parent Advisory Council, you’ll be able to choose from one of three in depth, interactive workshops – so you can walk away with concrete things to do with your kids and an understanding of “what does that really mean??”

Date:               May 26, 2012
Time:               7 – 9pm
Place:              The Executive Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre
                         405 North Road, Coquitlam, BC
Cost:                Free (sponsored by Coquitlam DPAC and BCCPAC)
Registration:  Required. Call or email to register your attendance and your choice of session to:
Email: dpac43@telus.net
Phone: 604-936-3690

What makes our kids CLICK?
Facilitated by Dave Sands http://connectandprotect.wikispaces.com
Technology is ever present in our children’s lives. But how do we parent when we don’t know what they’re doing? Through thought provoking presentation and discussion, then hands on activities, parents will go away with concrete ways to talk with their kids and stay connected about internet safety. Create a draft contract, put together questions/conversation starters, etc…

Beyond the Catch Phrases: What does inquiry based, personalized, project based, or 21^st Century learning really mean?
Facilitated by Stephen Whiffen http://inquiryhub.org
Everyone, including our government, is talking about all these things. But what do they mean and why does it matter? What will our kids actually be doing? And how is it different from what I did in school? Hands on workshop and discussion to help parents understand what these things mean in a classroom.

Advocating for your Child: Do I have to be “that” parent?
Facilitated by Heidi Gable http://dpac43.org
Sometimes, it seems like the only way to get support for your child is to be “that” parent. How can you work with your child’s school and teachers, build your child’s self-advocacy skills, and communicate your child’s needs clearly and effectively? We’ll share success stories and learn strategies for building the relationships that support our children every day, in their classrooms and in our own homes!