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May 14- Tamara Cote

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P.A.T.H (Present,  Authentic, Speak truth, Human)

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P.A.T.H (Present,  Authentic, Speak truth, Human)

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In recent years my local school board has been focusing on creating a community within their schools that include everyone religion and beliefs. In my school where I work we have many different cultures and family dynamics. We have started to implement new programs such as anti bullying support groups, more materials (eg. books, pictures flags throughout the classrooms) and celebration posters for some examples. At the front of our school we put up a map and included students to write welcome in their home language. This has started a gathering area leading to student making connections with other peers and staff. It is believed when children are exposed to multiple cultures it can create a better understanding of others, empathy, reduces bullying, and can help children become more adaptable and resilient

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P.A.T.H (Present,  Authentic, Speak truth, Human)

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P.A.T.H (Present,  Authentic, Speak truth, Human)

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It’s human to question our own awareness and reflect on whether we've truly seen bias or simply accepted the way things have always been. I appreciate the honesty in recognizing that sometimes we don’t notice inequities—not because we don’t care, but because they may be deeply embedded in systems we’ve grown used to. As a future educator, being human means staying open, curious, and willing to learn more—even when it's uncomfortable. It also means appreciating the genuine efforts being made by leadership and agencies, like anti-bias training and shifting toward more holistic supports. It reminds me that meaningful change starts with honest reflection and the courage to do better once we know better.

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Ontario cutting funding from daycare centres not in $10-a-day program | Globalnews.ca

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Ontario child-care centres that aren’t participating in the national $10-a-day program will soon lose provincial funding to offer fee subsidies to lower-income families.

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Non-participating centres that will lose access to provincial funding, how will this affect our current daycare crisis? Many daycares have waiting list that are years long. If we start taking daycares away and cutting more funding to those who choose not to participate what are the waitlist going to be like- will it be a realistic wait for families with young child?

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Shaneeba Mubashar

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Facilitator- Tamara Cote

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P.A.T.H (Present, Authentic, Speak truth, Human)

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P.A.T.H (Present, Authentic, Speak truth, Human)

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Below is my view of how epigenetics relate to child development using the P.A.T.H. framework:

Present:

Being present in the moment with your child can significantly influence their development. For instance, a parent who engages in regular, attentive bonding activities like reading bedtime stories or playing together can create a nurturing environment. This kind of positive interaction has been shown to potentially influence the child's epigenetic markers, which can affect stress response and cognitive development.

Authentic:

Authenticity in parenting means being true to yourself and your values while raising your child. When parents model authentic behavior, such as expressing genuine emotions and maintaining consistent principles, it can impact the child's emotional regulation and social behavior. These behaviors might influence epigenetic changes related to mental health and resilience, helping the child develop a more balanced emotional life.

Speak Your Truth:

Open communication about feelings and experiences can shape a child's development through epigenetic mechanisms. For example, discussing emotions openly and honestly helps children learn to process and express their own feelings. This open dialogue can reduce stress levels in the household, potentially altering stress-related epigenetic tags that influence long-term health outcomes.

Human:

Recognizing and embracing human imperfections is key in parenting. Understanding that it's okay to make mistakes and showing empathy towards oneself and others creates a supportive environment. This kind of nurturing atmosphere can positively affect the child's epigenome by reducing exposure to chronic stressors, which are known to negatively impact gene expression related to health and well-being.

These examples illustrate how daily interactions and behaviors rooted in being present, authentic, truthful, and human can have profound impacts on a child's development through the lens of epigenetics.

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The facilitator of the group will be responsible for noting:1) Date & Name of Facilitator2) P.A.T.H. examples from each group member (Present,Authentic, speak your Truth, and Human)- this is in connection to your role as a future educator3) Outstanding Questions group may have (readings, courseexpectations)4) Early Childhood Sector News/Social Media- if you aren't aware of any where would you find it5) Attendance of group members.

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The facilitator of the group will be responsible for noting:1) Date & Name of Facilitator2) P.A.T.H. examples from each group member (Present,Authentic, speak your Truth, and Human)- this is in connection to your role as a future educator3) Outstanding Questions group may have (readings, courseexpectations)4) Early Childhood Sector News/Social Media- if you aren't aware of any where would you find it5) Attendance of group members.

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Language and Child Development

The Brené Brown quote about self-talk and its impact on communication with others resonated with me. I believe it's essential to speak my Truth about the power of positive language, not just for children, but also for our internal dialogue as educators. This empowers us to create a supportive environment where children learn to communicate effectively and positively about themselves and others."

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 Early Childhood Sector News/Social Media 

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 Early Childhood Sector News/Social Media 

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News: Recent articles discuss the growing interest in early language development programs, especially after the pandemic, focusing on 'language rich environments' to support children who may have experienced reduced social interaction. There's also ongoing research into the benefits of early exposure to dual languages or sign language for cognitive development.

Where to find it: I would look for updates from organizations like Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC), the Hanen Centre, or provincial EarlyON Child and Family Centres. I'd also follow relevant hashtags on social media (e.g., #EarlyLiteracy, #ChildLanguageDevelopment, #ECECommunication) and subscribe to newsletters from reputable children's development research institutes.

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How language shapes the way we think | Lera Boroditsky | TED

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How language shapes the way we think | Lera Boroditsky | TED

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"The speaker's examples of how language can influence memory and even blame (like 'He broke the vase' versus 'The vase broke') highlight the immense power of words. I feel it's crucial to speak my Truth about using precise and intentional language in our educational settings, not only to foster clear communication but also to promote fairness and accurate understanding of events, especially when guiding children through conflicts or discussions about actions."

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Facilitator Karry Strelezki

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Lera Boroditsky’s TED Talk, "How Language Shapes the Way We Think", is a fascinating exploration of how different languages influence perception, cognition, and even memory. Here’s what I learned that deepened my understanding of language, framed through the P.A.T.H. approach:

Present: Boroditsky’s example of the Kuuk Thaayorre people, who use cardinal directions instead of left and right, was eye-opening. Their language requires constant spatial awareness, shaping how they navigate the world. This highlights the importance of being present in our linguistic choices—how we describe the world affects how we experience it.

Authentic: The way different languages categorize colors, numbers, and gender shows that language is not just a tool for communication but a reflection of cultural identity. Russian speakers, for instance, distinguish between light and dark blue as separate colors, which affects their perception. This authenticity in language reminds educators to honor linguistic diversity in the classroom.

Speak Your Truth: Boroditsky argues that language shapes thought, meaning that the words we use influence how we process reality. As a future educator, this underscores the importance of encouraging students to express themselves in ways that align with their cognitive and cultural frameworks.

Human: The beauty of linguistic diversity is that it showcases the ingenuity of the human mind. With over 7,000 languages spoken worldwide, each one represents a unique way of understanding reality. This reinforces the need for empathy and inclusivity in education—language is not just about words but about shaping perspectives.

This talk is a powerful reminder that language is more than communication—it’s a lens through which we see the world.