FSWC’s Education Team is developing meaningful online programming to better serve the needs of students, educators and parents during this time of uncertainty. We know that right now, teachers are in a very difficult position, being asked to adapt and innovate their lessons while also trying to keep their students on track with curriculum expectations. Let us assist you by providing resources, lesson plans, and activities to keep young learners engaged.

The Education Team is excited to announce the launch of Human Rights @ Home, a series of weekly online workshops designed for students, parents and teachers.
To register for these free workshops please contact education@fswc.ca

We are excited to share that our Equity and Diversity workshops are also now available online, meaning that FSWC educators will facilitate our one-hour programs remotely for small or larger groups of students. We know many parents and teachers are feeling overwhelmed right now and beyond the inherent value of our programming, our workshops also help relieve the burden of having to manage 30+ students on your own. Schools may be closed, but we can work together to keep the minds of students open.

Thursday, April 2, 2020, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Lessons & Legacy of the Holocaust, suitable for students in grade 7-12

Friday, April 3, 2020, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Digital Hate; suitable for students in grade 5-8

FSWC's www.neverforgetme.ca website is another great educational resource for parents and students to use at home.
As teachers and educators, we can fill in dates, places and times, but someone who experienced the horrors of the Holocaust will be able to add an emotional element to the history: what it felt like. Holocaust testimony serves to not only better understand the suffering of survivors, but gives a voice to the people who did not survive. The testimony places a face and voice and truly depicts the horrors of human suffering. By authenticating events that are so difficult to grasp, Holocaust testimony delivers moral messages to listeners.
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In next week's Newsletter, our Education Team will be introducing you to some of the Holocaust survivors we have the privilege of working with along with lesson ideas, activities and discussion questions to use in your online classroom or while learning from home.

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Listen & Learn: Educational Podcasts

Over the past decade, podcasting has taken off around the world in what many term the great democratization of knowledge and influencer platforms. This week, we have listed some of our favourite podcasts for you to catch up on some non-COVID19 news stories that you may have missed. Podcasts are a great way to take a break from that Netflix marathon and really immerse yourself in the stories that shape our world. Podcasts make the perfect addition to any household task, like tidying your room, deep-cleaning your freezer, or even as you do a quick home workout! Being an informed citizen is the first step of being an active citizen, and these podcast suggestions are a great start.

• IMPACT: With Avi Benlolo
• Witness History: World War 2, BBC World Service
• Residential Schools, Historica Canada
• Notice History, KnowHistory
• On Human Rights, The Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Laws
• Power Corrupts, Dr. Brian Klass
• TAKEN: The Podcast, Eagle Vision with ATPN and Women and Gender Equality Canada
• Women’s Hour, BBC Radio 4

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Mental Health & COVID-19

As we navigate our way through this period of uncertainty, we must ensure that we are aware of how COVID-19 may impact our stress. Being mindful of the mental health of yourself and others will make you and the people that you care about stronger. While we know that children and youth are the most suspectable to developing mental health disorders, we must all do our best to work together to check in and offer support to those who may be struggling with stress or feelings of uncertainty. FSWC’s team of educators have put together some tips to help cope with stress

• Remember that everyone reacts differently to stressful situations
• Anxiety is a normal reaction to uncertainty and things that may harm us
• Take breaks from watching, reading or listening to the news including social media
• Take care of your body – remember to eat well balanced meals, get plenty of sleep, and exercise
• Make time to unwind and try to do activities or hobbies that you enjoy
• Help in any way that you can – assist friends and family set up communication or delivery services, donate to local food banks or other charities, and if possible and safe to do so, set up an appointment with Canadian Blood Services and give to those who depend on lifesaving donations
• Connect with others and remember that you are not alone in this situation
  

We encourage parents and guardians to take the time to talk to their children about the COVID-19 pandemic and answer any questions that they may have. Reassure them and keep an eye out for any changes in their moods or habits. Do your best keep up with our regular routines as much as possible. Humans need order and structure to be successful in completing even the simplest of tasks. Try physically creating a schedule that can be easily revised and post it where the entire household can see it. Together, we can combat this.

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                                                                                                   "Freedom is not a gift from heaven, you must fight for it every day."

Thank you to everyone who submitted speeches for Speakers Idol 2020. Our Review Committee is busy evaluating all submissions and will have narrowed down our semi-finalists by next week.

In light of COVID-19, Speakers Idol will be moving to an online format for 2020. Stay tuned for additional details.

 Although FSWC's Education Team is practicing social distancing for the health and safety of themselves and those around them, you can reach us remotely at any time at education@fswc.ca‍