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Career Fair

5/7/2025

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Last week we had the opportunity to set up a booth at the A. Louise Garland Thomas High School Career fair. Congratulations to Ms. Paul and her team for an awesome event again this year. Choosing subjects can be challenging and stressful and having an opportunity to speak to individuals working in fields of interest can provide great guidance to students.

We enjoyed speaking to the 3rd from students from Providenciales, North Caicos and South Caicos on the services being offered at Learn and Lead, Educational Entrepreneurship and reaching their potential. Each student that visited us received Study Skills Strategies to help them in their last term and beyond.
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Strategic Brainstorming Session

5/2/2025

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Last week I had the opportunity to facilitate a Strategic Brainstorm Session with a group of professionals. The teacher in me loves to brainstorm. It’s a skill we learn early in our school years—and one that can evolve into a powerful strategic tool. Used effectively, brainstorming brings clarity, unlocks smarter decision-making, and adds intentional structure to innovation.

One of my favorite processes to guide teams through is the Six Thinking Hats method by Edward de Bono. It’s a powerful framework for structured thinking that helps teams explore problems and opportunities from six distinct perspectives:

• White Hat – Facts and data
• Red Hat – Emotions and intuition
• Black Hat – Risks and caution
• Yellow Hat – Optimism and benefits
• Green Hat – Creativity and new ideas
• Blue Hat – Process and control

This versatile tool, which promotes parallel thinking, can be used as a full process or in sections—depending on the goals of the session. Strategic Brainstorming Sessions offer an opportunity for teams to come together and receive guidance as they work towards their common mission, vision and core values.


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Third Term Begins!

4/28/2025

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As third term kicks off, we are exited to welcome your children back in the Specialized Tutoring Program. It’s also the perfect time to encourage your child to make a fresh, energetic start. After a long second term, this one is shorter — which means getting organized and focused early is key.
Here are a few simple tips you can share with your child to set them up for success:
Set Clear Goals Together: Talk with your child about what they’d like to achieve this term — maybe improving a subject, staying more organized, or preparing for an upcoming transition. Clear, achievable goals can keep them motivated and on track.
Help Them Stay Organized: Encourage your child to use a diary, planner, or app to track homework, tests, and projects. A little organization now can make the quick pace of the term feel much more manageable.
Remind Them It’s Okay to Ask for Help: Let your child know it’s smart — not a weakness — to ask questions when they’re stuck. Teachers appreciate students who speak up early, and it prevents bigger challenges later.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge their efforts along the way, not just the final outcomes. Completing a tricky assignment, improving a quiz score, or even sticking to a new habit deserves a high-five!
Stay Positive and Encourage Good Habits: This short term will fly by. Encourage healthy routines like enough sleep, good nutrition, and study breaks to help them stay energized and positive.
With a little encouragement and structure, third term can be a strong finish to the academic year. You've helped them come this far — and with your support, they’ll soar to the finish line!

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Understanding dEi

4/11/2025

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have become increasingly relevant topics of discussion recently. Earlier this month, I had the privilege of collaborating with an organization eager to enhance its team's understanding and introduce the concept of Unconscious Bias. During our session together, our focus was on bolstering the team's knowledge of Diversity and Equity to foster a more inclusive work environment.

We delved into complex subjects such as stereotypes and biases, providing participants with the opportunity to challenge their own perspectives and broaden their understanding. This exploration aimed to empower individuals to embrace diverse viewpoints and cultivate a more inclusive workplace culture.

When workshops are harder to schedule, short sessions are a great way to infuse this important soft skills into your already scheduled retreats.
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Happy April! - Parent Newsletter

4/1/2025

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Dear Parents,

As we near the conclusion of Term Two, I wanted to take a moment to update you on some important developments at Learn and Lead.
1.Student Expectation Report: We've had an excellent term with significant progress. Your child’s teacher still has a few more sessions with them until they have to finalize their Student Expectation Report. You can expect to receive your child's report the last week of April. For new students, comments and outlined goals will be provided. In most cases we wait until your child has had at least 6–8 intervention sessions before assessing progress.

2. Easter Break Closure: Learn and Lead will be closed from April 14th and will resume classes the week of April 28th. Please take special note that not all schools on the island have the same Easter Break this year. If your child’s break differs and you are unable to attend classes the week of April 7th, please follow the regular protocol to cancel.

3. Scholastic Book Club: We're excited to introduce the Scholastic Book Club at Learn and Lead! For those familiar with Scholastic Book Clubs from school, this program allows regular purchases to enrich your home library. Leaflets are available at the front desk of the center. Orders will be processed every last Friday of the month. All transactions, including payments, can be completed online. You'll receive a notification once your books are ready for pickup at Learn and Lead. Find out visit www.learnandleadltd.com/book-club
​As always, thank you for allowing us to be part of your child’s educational journey. We wish you all the best for the end of term and look forward to continuing this journey together!
​Warm regards,
Yolande
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Cultivating an INclusive Team

4/1/2025

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An inclusive team is a stronger team! When everyone feels valued and heard, innovation thrives, collaboration deepens, and productivity soars.

On Saturday I had the opportunity to work with the Paradise Smiles team. Our workshop was all about cultivating inclusivity. They played, they learned, they laughed and reflected while deepening their understanding of DEI and its role in fostering a positive team dynamic. Soft Skills workshops are a great opportunity for teams to not only learn together but to grow together.

All the best Paradise Smiles!
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women's Empowerment Brunch

3/25/2025

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On Friday I had the opportunity to facilitate a Women's Empowerment Brunch for the lovely women of Waterloo Investment Holdings Limited under the theme 'Dream It, Achieve It: Crafting Our Futures Together.' Our time was spent listening, learning, laughing, reflecting and crafting together. I'm grateful not just for the opportunity not just to facilitate a panel with such amazing women, but also to present on the power of setting intentions, goals and habits to manifest your vision boards into reality.
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L & L Now has a Scholastic Book Club!

3/13/2025

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To foster a love for reading at Learn and Lead and throughout the community, we have launched a Scholastic Book Club. Books can be purchased through the club, with orders processed monthly and due on the last Friday of each month.

You can now browse the latest books and order online. There are hundreds of fantastic Children’s books to choose from, all at great prices! Upon arrival, you will be able to pick up your books at Learn and Lead.

In addition to building your home libraries, Every Book Club purchase earns Learn and Lead 20% in Scholastic rewards to buy more books for our library at the center.
 
For March 2025 - Please place your order online by March 28th.

To place your order, click here, or type the following in to your browser: 
https://world-schools.scholastic.co.uk/learn-lead-educational-cente/digital-book-club
 
Click on either AGES 0-6, 7-11 or 11+ or you can use the search box for specific titles that you are interested in.

Please add the books that you would like to order into your basket. Once you have finished and are happy with your order, please click on your basket in the top right-hand corner of the screen to proceed to the checkout. You will then need to enter your email address and choose a password.
Once you have done this, you can enter the payment details for your order and checkout. Payment is done in USD. 

If you have any questions about your order, feel free to contact me [email protected] or scholastic directly at [email protected].

In the next few weeks, we expect to have leaflets available at the center. In the meantime, please feel free to browse virtual ones and place order with the link above.
Primary Leaflet
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Teen Leaflet
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Proposal Writing - With a little fun

3/13/2025

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Earlier this week we spent some time with staff from the Youth Department. We began with a Proposal Writing Mad Libs that got us all laughing and ready to work together. Although Proposal Writing may not be the most exciting topic, it is a very important one. In our workshop we looked at the different types of proposals and what is needed to make an effective proposal. We also spent a little time on a team building game to reinforce the importance of understanding a task, brainstorming, planning, and working together to find the best solution.

We look forward to conducting a webinar on behalf the Youth Department that is open to the public. 
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Setting the Stage

3/6/2025

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Over the last 3 weeks I have had the opportunity to meet three sets of Emergency Medical Technicians from the EMS department. Our mindset sessions served as quick reminder of the importance of our mindsets as individuals and as teams.

The smiles in this photo are usually what happens in one of my favorite paradigm demonstrations. It is the second time we were running it and this is that moment when you realize that your perspectives has shifted. 

Way to go EMS!

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TCI Top Model Contest

3/5/2025

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The Power of Presence - Shaping the Model Mindset. On Saturday March 1st, I had the pleasure of working with the TCI Top Model contestants to explore Personality, Self-Esteem and Public Perception. Below is the press release from TCI Top Model.

THE POWER OF PRESENCE: SHAPING THE MODEL MINDSET

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands; Tuesday, 4th March, 2025: In the world of fashion and beyond, success isn’t just about looking the part—it’s about owning your presence. How we see ourselves shapes how the world sees us, and our personality, self-esteem, and public perception all play a role in that reality. This past weekend, TCI Top Model contestants and models took a deep dive into these crucial elements, exploring the power of confidence, self-awareness, and effective communication. Through engaging discussions and interactive exercises, they uncovered how the way they think, speak, and present themselves can define their journey—on and off the runway.

Mrs. Yolande Robinson, Education Consultant and Owner of Learn & Lead Educational Center, led an engaging and interactive workshop on Personality, Self-Esteem & Public Perception. She explained that personality is the consistency in a person’s way of being—their unique patterns of thinking, acting, and reacting over time. Self-esteem, she noted, is a person’s overall sense of self-worth, shaped by their beliefs about their appearance, emotions, and behaviours.

Having worked in academia and professional development for over twenty years, Mrs. Robinson emphasised how self-perception influences the way individuals present themselves, ultimately shaping their reality. Participants were encouraged to always project a positive image—through their dress, attitude, speech, listening skills, and awareness of the world around them.

The session was dynamic, with participants being placed into small discussion groups to explore the topic, share insights, and reflect on how they view themselves and how others perceive them. Laughter and thoughtful exchanges filled the room as they learned from each other, breaking down barriers and building confidence in the process.

Mrs. Robinson highlighted that public perception is shaped by the image we project—our body language, tone, and the way we carry ourselves. “The world responds to the signals we give off,” she said. “Be intentional about how you present yourself because perception often becomes reality.”

Of the workshop, Mrs. Robinson stated: “It was a pleasure working with the models and contestants of the TCI Model Contest. In our time together, we focused on the power of personality, self-esteem, and public perception—key elements that define not just a great model, but a confident and influential individual. I wish them all the best as they continue their journey, both on and off the runway.”

Courtney Robinson, Executive Producer of TCI Top Model, stated that: “Understanding oneself is the foundation of success—not just in modelling but in life. A model is more than just an attractive face or physique; they are a brand, a presence, a force. It is imperative that our participants develop self-awareness and confidence, knowing that how they see themselves influences how the world sees them. If there is one message I hope resonates, it is that growth starts from within. The work they put into their personalities and self-esteem today will shape their futures. Talent may open doors, but character and confidence will keep them open.”

The highly anticipated 2025 TCI Top Model Contest—En Vogue, takes place Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Brayton Hall in Providenciales. Event seating goes on sale March 12th, 2025.

END​
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Nourishing the Mind, Body and Soul

2/5/2025

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Earlier this week I had an opportunity to work with teachers that are part of this year's Teacher Mentorship program with the Department of Education. Although our sessions are usually designed to increase the skills needed to be an effective teacher in the classroom, we paused to look inward to help teachers reflect on what they need to fill their cups. It is difficult to pour from an empty cup, and as a new teacher, it's important to be intentional on how one takes care of their self. In our session we focused on self-care and resilience and ended by creating vision boards that reflect the joy of teaching. 

I wish all the teachers in the session a great remainder of the academic year and a full and vibrant teaching career!
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Essential Soft Skills Series

1/31/2025

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Over the last couple of weeks, I have had the pleasure of working with a group of staff members from the Office of the Premier & Public Policy. I am often asked which Soft Skills are the most important to target, and although I may have my favorites, they are all so important!

For organizations that are looking to provide more than one training session, there is always the option of choosing the topics that they feel will make the most impact. For this series we focused on the following areas:
  • Unconscious Bias
  • Building Our Team Dynamic
  • Understanding and Resolving Conflict
  • Emotional Intelligence and Personal Productivty
Participants enjoyed learning, discussing, debating, and of course laughter. I look forward to working with them again soon. 

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Stronger Together

1/18/2025

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Yesterday, I had the pleasure of working with the incredible staff at Edward Gartland Youth Center during my workshop, Stronger Together - Tools for Collaboration and Connection. This session focused on essential soft skills—teamwork, conflict resolution, and effective communication—that are critical for youth workers to succeed in their vital roles.

At the heart of the workshop was the principle of self-reflection: understanding our own strengths and challenges before supporting others. By looking inward, we can create a more supportive and harmonious team environment, which ultimately empowers not only ourselves but also the organizations and communities we serve.
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Together, we explored practical tools to navigate conflicts constructively, communicate with clarity and empathy, and build trust within teams. It was inspiring to see the participants engage so fully, reflecting on their roles and leaving with actionable strategies to strengthen collaboration.

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Inclusive Leadership

1/16/2025

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Yesterday, I had the pleasure of making the trip over to Parrot Cay to complete a two-part Inclusive Leadership Training. This training program focused on equipping leaders and with the skills needed to create an environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered. Together, we tackled some of the most pressing challenges facing modern workplaces, including understanding implicit biases, confronting microaggressions, and cultivating emotional intelligence.



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Starting 2025 Strong with Mini-Habits

1/5/2025

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Happy New Year!

When we think of "back to school," September usually comes to mind—a season filled with new beginnings, fresh supplies, and big plans for the year ahead. Most of our children in the Turks and Caicos Islands had 3 weeks off! After a three-week break to relax and recharge, it can take some time for both children and parents to transition back into their routines.

The start of a new year is the perfect time to recalibrate and set intentions, not just for the school term, but for the year as a whole. And while it’s tempting to make sweeping resolutions, there’s something far more powerful—and sustainable—about focusing on mini-habits.

What Are Mini-Habits?
Mini-habits are tiny, manageable actions that are so small they’re almost impossible to fail. These habits may seem insignificant at first, but their consistency leads to significant changes over time. The idea is simple: instead of overwhelming yourself with lofty goals, you break them down into bite-sized steps.

For example, instead of committing to “reading every night for an hour,” a mini-habit might be “reading one page per night.” Instead of “getting 10,000 steps daily,” a mini-habit could be “taking a five-minute walk after dinner.” The beauty of mini-habits is that they build momentum, and once you start, you’re likely to do more than the bare minimum without the pressure of a daunting goal.

Mini-Habits for Parents and Kids in 2025
As we settle back into routines, here are a few mini-habits for both parents and children to kick off the school term—and the year—with intention:
For Parents:
  • Morning Pause: Spend one minute each morning setting an intention for the day. Whether it’s “stay patient” or “be fully present,” this quick moment of mindfulness can shift your mindset.
  • Gratitude Check: Write down one thing you’re grateful for daily, even if it’s as simple as your child’s smile or a productive day at work.
  • Digital Boundaries: Commit to a mini-habit like putting your phone away for 10 minutes during family time to build stronger connections.
For Kids:
  • One Minute of Prep: Before bedtime, encourage your child to pack their bag or set out their uniform for the next day. This small habit can reduce morning chaos.
  • Daily Reading: Start with just one page of a book or five minutes of reading time—it’s a simple step toward building a lifelong love for learning.
  • Kindness Habit: Challenge your child to say one kind thing to a family member, friend, or teacher each day.

Be Intentional in 2025
Mini-habits may seem small, but their impact grows when practiced with intention. As parents, we set the tone for our households. By embracing tiny tweaks to our routines, we model consistency, resilience, and growth for our children.

Remember, it’s not about perfection. It’s about showing up consistently in small ways that align with your values and vision for the year. Whether it’s committing to healthier family habits, improving school-day routines, or fostering more connection, intentionality is the key to making it all stick.

As we ease back into school life this January, take a deep breath and remind yourself: small steps lead to big changes. With mini-habits as your guide, you can make 2025 a year of growth, connection, and success for you and your family.
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Here’s to starting strong and staying intentional!

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Ignite 2025!

1/5/2025

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Happy New Year!

As the new year begins, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of my newest self-development program: Ignite 2025! Every January, I introduce a fresh program to help individuals spark change, grow, and step into the year with clarity and purpose. This year’s program is particularly special, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Ignite 2025 is more than a self-development guide—it’s an invitation to ignite your inner fire, uncover your potential, and create a life that aligns with your vision and values. Designed to help you embrace your unique strengths, the program empowers you to explore what truly works for your personal journey while navigating challenges with confidence.

With practical, actionable steps, Ignite 2025 equips you to establish habits and routines tailored to your lifestyle. Whether you want to master time management, boost productivity, or create lasting, meaningful change, this program provides a personalized roadmap to help you take intentional steps forward—one manageable step at a time.

You can experience Ignite 2025 in a one-on-one coaching session or as part of a small group, offering a vibrant space for connection, support, and inspiration. Together, we’ll break through limitations, ignite your passions, and step boldly into a year filled with purpose, fulfillment, and success.
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I’m so excited to embark on this transformative journey with you. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember!

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Navigating Holiday Expectations

12/22/2024

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The holiday season is often described as the most wonderful time of the year. It’s a time for family gatherings, delicious meals, festive traditions, and sparkling decorations. For many, it’s a season filled with joy, laughter, and love. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the holidays can also bring their fair share of stress, especially for families navigating diverse needs, personalities, and sensitivities.

The truth is that while this season is magical, it can also be overwhelming for some individuals. This is particularly true in our diverse communities, where the way people celebrate — and the way people experience joy — can differ greatly. Diversity extends beyond cultural traditions; it includes differences in personalities, temperaments, and neurodiversities. These differences can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or even stress, especially when it comes to children.

Understanding Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity refers to the idea that neurological differences are natural variations in the human experience. It includes individuals with conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, sensory processing disorders, and more. Neurodivergent children often process information and stimuli differently from neurotypical children. For some, the high-energy festivities of the holiday season can feel like sensory overload. Bright lights, loud music, crowded rooms, and unpredictable schedules can be incredibly overwhelming.

It’s crucial for family members and community members to recognize and respect these differences. Joy doesn’t look the same for everyone, and a child’s reluctance to participate in a particular activity or their need for a quiet moment shouldn’t be seen as “wrong” or “disruptive.”

Supporting Families During the Holidays
For many parents of neurodivergent children, the holidays can be a source of anxiety. They may worry about how their child’s sensitivities will be perceived by others or fear judgment if their child behaves in ways that are unexpected. As a community, we can help alleviate some of this stress by approaching these situations with understanding and compassion.

Here are some ways to support families during the holiday season:
  1. Be Flexible and Inclusive: If your niece or nephew doesn’t want to give you a big hug, don’t take it personally. Offer alternatives like a high-five, a wave, or even a smile. Small gestures of understanding can make a big difference.
  2. Avoid Shaming: Publicly or privately shaming a child (or their parents) for behaviors that stem from overstimulation or anxiety will only make the situation worse. Instead, show patience and empathy.
  3. Create Quiet Spaces: If you’re hosting a gathering, consider setting up a quiet, low-stimulation area where anyone who feels overwhelmed can take a break. This can be a lifesaver for children (and adults) who need to recharge.
  4. Ask Questions, Don’t Assume: If you’re unsure how to interact with a child or support a family, ask. Most parents appreciate thoughtful questions over assumptions.
  5. Respect Boundaries: Not everyone will want to participate in every activity. If a child opts out of singing carols or sitting on Santa’s lap, let it be.

Tips for Parents Managing Overstimulation
Parents, you know your child best. Here are some strategies to help manage overstimulation during the holidays:
  • Watch for Signs: Common signs of overstimulation include irritability, covering ears, avoiding eye contact, fidgeting, or sudden withdrawal. Keep an eye out for these cues and step in early.
  • Set Expectations: Before attending a gathering, explain to your child what to expect. Let them know they can take breaks if they need to.
  • Bring Comfort Items: Pack items that help your child self-soothe, like noise-canceling headphones, a favorite toy, or a weighted blanket.
  • Stick to Routines: As much as possible, try to maintain your child’s usual routines for meals, naps, and bedtime. Predictability can help reduce stress.
  • Communicate with Hosts: Let hosts know ahead of time about any accommodations your child might need. Most people are happy to help when they understand what’s needed.

A Holiday Season for Everyone
The holidays are a time for connection, celebration, and love. By embracing the diversity within our families and communities, we can create an environment where everyone feels valued and included. Remember, everyone deserves the right to a joyous holiday season, but joy doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some, it’s boisterous carols and bustling parties. For others, it’s quiet moments with a book or a peaceful walk outside.

This season, let’s commit to looking out for one another. Let’s approach differences with curiosity and compassion, and let’s create spaces where everyone — neurodivergent and neurotypical alike — can experience the magic of the holidays in their own way. Because ultimately, the greatest gift we can give each other is understanding.

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Holiday Writing Prompts

12/14/2024

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As we approach this festive season, the excitement of celebrations, rest, and quality family time takes center stage. While these breaks are essential and rejuvenating, they can sometimes disrupt the learning routines we work so hard to build during the school year. That’s why it’s important to encourage activities that keep young minds engaged—and one of the best ways to do this is through creative writing.
As parents and teachers, we often stress the importance of reading over the holidays, but let’s not forget the value of writing. Writing shouldn’t feel like a chore or punishment. Instead, it can be an outlet for creativity, imagination, and self-expression. When approached with the right mindset, writing becomes an exciting opportunity to explore new worlds, share ideas, and dive into the magic of storytelling.
To make writing a joyful and engaging activity, I’ve put together a collection of holiday-themed creative writing prompts. These prompts are designed to spark imagination, encourage critical thinking, and keep students entertained during their time off. They’re adaptable for different age levels and can even incorporate an artistic twist to make the experience even more fun. Whether you’re a parent looking for an engaging activity at home or a teacher wanting to end the term with something memorable, these prompts are sure to inspire!

Holiday Writing Prompts

1. If I Were Santa Claus Imagine you’re Santa Claus for a day. What would your adventures be like? What gifts would you choose to give, and how would you deliver them? Perhaps you’re a modern Santa who uses a rocket-powered sleigh, or maybe you’ve partnered with Jojo the Dolphin to deliver gifts. Encourage students to dream big and add their own unique twists to this classic idea.

2. The Magical Reindeer What’s life like for one of Santa’s reindeer? Write a story from their perspective. Do they have a special talent or a quirky personality trait that sets them apart? How do they prepare for the big night? Maybe they even have their own secret adventures when Santa’s not looking!

3. The Day Christmas Went Wrong Let imaginations run wild with a story about a Christmas Day that didn’t go as planned. Did Santa’s sleigh break down over the Turks and Caicos? Did the reindeer go on strike? How did the characters work together to solve the problem and save the day? This prompt is perfect for teaching problem-solving through storytelling.

4. Santa’s New Invention Create a brand-new tool or gadget to help Santa on Christmas Eve. What does it do? How does it work? Challenge students to be both inventive and descriptive. Bonus: They can sketch or build a prototype of their invention to go along with their story!

5. Discovering Turks and Caicos Combine local pride with holiday magic! Write about an exciting holiday adventure set in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Perhaps the characters encounter unique creatures, solve a mystery, or discover hidden treasures in the islands’ stunning landscapes. This is a wonderful way to blend cultural appreciation with creativity.
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6. The Christmas Wish If you could make one meaningful wish this Christmas, what would it be and why? Would it be for yourself, your family, or the world? This reflective prompt allows students to explore their values and think deeply about what matters most to them.

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2024 in Rearview

12/10/2024

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Reflection is a powerful tool that brings families closer, fostering connection, learning, and growth. As we approach the end of 2024, taking time to reflect on the past year’s experiences, challenges, and successes can help parents and children deepen their bond and strengthen communication.
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Through reflection, families have the opportunity to celebrate achievements, understand lessons from setbacks, and set intentions for the future. This shared activity creates a meaningful space for celebrating individual and collective growth. Below are five thoughtful writing prompts designed to help parents and children engage in heartfelt conversations and reflections about the experiences of 2024.

Writing Prompts for Family Reflection
  1. Memorable Moments:
    Encourage your child to recall and write about three memorable moments from 2024. These could be milestones, small joys, exciting experiences, or events that left a lasting impression. Discuss why these moments were special and how they made an impact on your child’s year.
  2. Challenges and Growth:
    Ask your child to think about a challenge they faced in 2024 and write about how they worked through it. What did they learn from the experience? How did they grow as a result? Discuss the strategies they used and how challenges can lead to strength and resilience.
  3. Family Time:
    Reflect on the quality time spent together as a family this year. Have each family member write about their favorite family outing, tradition, or activity from 2024. Talk about why those moments were meaningful and how they contributed to building a stronger family bond.
  4. New Discoveries and Learning:
    Prompt your child to write about something new they learned or discovered in 2024—a skill, hobby, interest, or a piece of knowledge they found fascinating. Share stories as a family about moments of curiosity and exploration, and discuss why embracing learning helps us grow.
  5. Setting Intentions for the Future:
    Encourage your child to think about one thing they’d like to improve or achieve in 2025. Have them write about their goal and brainstorm the steps they plan to take. Discuss how setting intentions helps create direction and keeps us motivated for the year ahead.

By engaging in these writing activities, families can create space for meaningful dialogue, celebrate growth, and reinforce a sense of togetherness. These moments of shared reflection foster deeper understanding and allow parents to guide their children in recognizing the value of introspection and personal development.
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As 2024 comes to a close, let this reflective practice be a way to celebrate the year gone by and build a foundation of hope and intention for the year ahead. Together, let’s carry the lessons and love of 2024 into a brighter, more connected 2025!


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Christmas holidays

12/10/2024

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​Dear Parents,

This is a friendly reminder that December 14th will be the final day of classes for this term. 
As we approach the holiday season, we kindly ask that any outstanding balances for the term be settled by December 14th. Should you need to make arrangements to come in and settle your account the following week, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Payments can also be made via direct deposit to our Scotiabank account.

We look forward to your child's return the week of January 6th. If for any reason they will not be returning, please let us know as soon as possible.

On behalf of the entire team of teachers, I would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a joyful holiday season. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your child’s educational journey. We look forward to seeing you all in 2025
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Warm Regards, 
Yolande


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Special Education conference

11/23/2024

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Yesterday, I had the opportunity to present at the inaugural conference on Special Education Needs. The theme of the conference was "Inclusive Education: Bridging Gaps, Building Futures." My presentation was titled "Understanding Learning Differences: Cognitive and Emotional Aspects of Special Education Needs." It was a fantastic day for professionals working with diverse populations to come together and gain valuable strategies to help individuals in these communities thrive in inclusive settings.
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The Pandemic's Lingering Effects

10/29/2024

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The further we move into the 2024-2025 academic year, the more distant the height of the COVID-19 pandemic feels. It can sometimes seem as though we didn’t experience a period of interrupted and unfinished learning in our classrooms, especially since we’ve been back to "normal" for some time now. However, if you've spoken with parents or educators recently, you may have noticed that many of us are still grappling with challenges that trace their roots back to that unprecedented time. The effects of the pandemic are far from over.

We need to remind ourselves—often—that some of the challenges that we are seeing in children and students today aren't simply a reflection of them or their effort, but of the conditions they have lived through. In many ways, the world may seem to have moved on, but in education, the ripple effects of the pandemic are still very real. And those effects need to be addressed with care, patience, and a lot of grace.

The Learning Gaps Go Beyond Academics

When we think of "unfinished learning," our minds often jump to academics—math problems, reading levels, or social study facts that students may have missed during remote learning. But the gaps are much wider than that. What we're seeing now isn’t just about academic deficits but also gaps in crucial developmental areas: fine motor skills, gross motor skills, attention, focus, emotional regulation, social interactions, vocabulary development, and so much more.

Some of these gaps are subtle. For instance, young children may struggle with fine motor skills like cutting or handwriting—things they missed out on practicing during the shift to digital learning. Older students may find it hard to focus for extended periods or follow the multi-step processes needed for tasks like long division or reading comprehension.

These aren't issues that will magically resolve on their own. They are skills that need to be taught, practiced, and reinforced. We are still very much in the process of filling these gaps, and it’s important to understand that this process requires patience—not just from students, but from everyone around them.

We Need Grace for Ourselves and Each Other

As parents, teachers, and caregivers, we need to remember that our children are doing their best within the conditions they’ve been given—and so are we. When a flower isn't growing the way we expect, we don't blame the flower. Instead, we look at the conditions around it. Are we watering it enough? Is the soil rich in nutrients? Is the environment conducive to growth?

The same logic applies to our children. If we see that they’re struggling in a particular area, we must look at how we’re supporting their growth. Have they had enough opportunities to practice fine motor skills? Have we created an environment that fosters focus and attention? Have we allowed space for social and emotional development that was stalled during periods of isolation?

Balancing Remediation and Acceleration

In education today, there's a fine balance between remediation and acceleration. We need to be mindful of not just pushing students ahead to "catch up" to where we think they should be, but also ensuring they have a strong foundation to build on. Remediation—going back and filling in gaps—is essential. But at the same time, we can't hold students back indefinitely. There’s an art to balancing these two approaches, one that requires careful observation and flexibility.

The key is in recognizing that skills build upon each other. If a student is struggling with long division, it may not be about long division itself—it could be that their foundational understanding of multiplication isn’t solid. If a child is having difficulty with handwriting, it could stem from a lack of fine motor practice, not just the act of forming letters. These are just a few examples of how deeply interconnected learning really is.

Be a Detective: Address the Foundational Skills

My reminder to parents and teachers is simple: if you’re noticing a particular skill that seems to be a challenge—whether it's cutting with scissors, penmanship, or adding fractions with unlike denominators—take a step back and play detective. Look to see whether all of the foundational skills that support that task have been adequately addressed.

Sometimes, what we perceive as "struggle" is really an indication that something foundational is missing. Maybe it's a skill that didn’t have the chance to develop fully because of the pandemic's disruptions. Maybe it’s a developmental gap that went unnoticed during remote learning. Either way, before we push our children forward, let’s take the time to make sure we’re filling in those essential pieces.

The pandemic may feel like it's in the rearview mirror, but its effects on education are still very much with us. We are still catching up in ways that go far beyond the curriculum, and we owe it to our students—and ourselves—to recognize that. Let’s continue to extend grace to one another, knowing that the path to growth and learning is not always a straight line, but it’s one we can navigate together.

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Shifting Perspectives - Episode 83

10/26/2024

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​In this Solo Snippets edition of Shifting Perspectives, Yolande dives into an important topic during Dyslexia Awareness Month. She sheds light on what dyslexia is, the common signs, and how parents and teachers can support children who may be struggling with reading, writing, and spelling.

Yolande shares practical strategies for both parents and educators, focusing on how to foster a supportive environment for students with dyslexia. From encouraging a growth mindset to implementing multisensory learning techniques, this episode provides invaluable insights to help all students succeed.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, or just curious about learning disabilities, this episode offers powerful takeaways to inspire and inform. Tune in, and let’s make a difference together!

Shifting Perspectives is a conversation with Yolande and Latasha that challenges listeners to fuel themselves with diversity in the way they think, the way they work, the way they parent and the way they live their lives.

🎧 Listen to Shifting Perspectives on Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, Spotify, Stitcher, Pocket Casts, Overcast, Castro, Castbox, Podfriend or at
www.learnandleadltd.com/podcast

Follow Yolande @yolanderobinson
Follow Latasha @latashastrachan

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Episode 83 - Dyslexia Awareness Month

10/25/2024

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    Author

    Yolande Robinson, M.Ed.
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    Yolande Robinson is the owner of Learn and Lead Educational Center. Yolande believes in the power of educating, inspiring and empowering individuals to reach their potential personally, in their families and in their careers. 
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    Shifting Perspectives is a conversation with Yolande and Latasha that challenges Listeners to fuel themselves with diversity in the way they think, the way they work, the way they parent and the way they live their lives.

    Listen to Shifting Perspectives on Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, Spotify, Google Podcast, Stitcher, Pocket Casts, Overcast, Castro, Castbooks, or Podfriend.

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