This post was originally published on José Vilson's blog. “Your silence will not protect you” Audre Lorde calls for our silence to be transformed into language and action in her 1977 speech. But if our silence will not protect us, then why do we hold on to it for comfort? Why do revert to silence … Continue reading Show Solidarity with Words & Actions
Category: Education
Supporting First Nations, Métis, & Inuit Education: How do we maintain momentum that is driving us toward change?
As we get ready for a new start to the school year, we look back on some of the most important issues to cover, and learn more about how to support educators and students to reflect on some of the best practices for supporting their own growth of understanding the world around them. Equitable … Continue reading Supporting First Nations, Métis, & Inuit Education: How do we maintain momentum that is driving us toward change?
How To Create a Culturally Responsive Classroom for Refugee & Migrant Students
I had an interview last night with Shelly Sanchez for her BamEd Radio show. The topic was The Teacher Challenge: Strategies to help migrant and refugee students feel comfortable in the classroom. It'll be aired in a few weeks, but after doing the interview I had a chance to reflect on our conversation. I told Shelly that … Continue reading How To Create a Culturally Responsive Classroom for Refugee & Migrant Students
Parent Challenge: That First Day Greeting
I was just chatting with my sister about first day of school, our fears and anxieties about our kids starting kindergarten and daycare! For those of you who know, I am currently full-time at home with my two young daughters. My oldest, 4 will start kindergarten this September, and my youngest 2.5 will start daycare … Continue reading Parent Challenge: That First Day Greeting
Equity for English Language Learners
This post was originally published on Edutopia as a part of the #EduColor series on race, equity and social justice. To understand English-language learners' need for equitable education, we must first look at the dramatic increase in the numbers of ELLs in U.S. public schools. Between 1997-1998 and 2008-2009, the number of ELLs in public schools … Continue reading Equity for English Language Learners
Three lesson ideas for teaching your class about Eid al-Fitr
This blog was originally published on The Guardian. While Eid al-Fitr was last week, these activities can work well with another upcoming Eid al-adha to help cultivate a feeling of belonging and safety for Muslim students and students of colour in the classroom. As fasting in the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, … Continue reading Three lesson ideas for teaching your class about Eid al-Fitr
Getting Started with Writing: Create a Topic
So you’re starting an essay? Here are some steps to get you started... Topic: What is your research topic? Explanation: Choose a topic that you’re interested in writing about. If your teacher gave you the topics, think of a specific aspect of the topic you’d like to discuss. For example, if you're writing about “Social … Continue reading Getting Started with Writing: Create a Topic
Bring Digital Literacy & Citizenship to Your Class
This post was originally published here on Annenberg Learner. Before my class started blogging and creating digital stories, they had many questions regarding online use of blogs, social media platforms, and YouTube. Some students, rightfully so, were concerned about their privacy. Some students were more concerned about their communication and the digital footprint they would be … Continue reading Bring Digital Literacy & Citizenship to Your Class
Systems of Adversity: For the Love of Teaching – TEDx
I did a TEDx on May 14 at Kitchener, Waterloo. My talk discussed the need for each of us to find and share our voice. Through my own experiences moving through the Middle East and eventually settling in Canada, I attempt to show the power of finding and sharing your voice even when others may … Continue reading Systems of Adversity: For the Love of Teaching – TEDx
4 Goals for #ISTE2016
I am at #ISTE2016 today with The Writing Project team. We arrived last night at 9 pm, but it was 11 pm EST (my timezone). So I was a bit tired but it was still so exciting. This morning we had breakfast with #Edumatch and #Edspeakers members! https://twitter.com/RusulAlrubail/status/747106336328949760 I heard from many educators that when … Continue reading 4 Goals for #ISTE2016







