The two organizations are partnering to host Dr. Layne Pethick for a pair of virtual seminars entitled Brain Builders: Dealing with Behavioural and Learning Issues, which will take place over the Zoom meeting app on Thursday, Mar. 25.
The seminars will offer a variety of techniques, systems and ideas to help children who may be having difficulty with learning as well as how to help youngsters dealing with behavioural issues -- especially in these trying times.
“Supporting a youth or child, that in itself is important, if you don’t have the support when you have issues at a young age, it makes it very difficult to be successful,” said Christine Boyczuk with the Moose Jaw Literacy Network. “The relationship aspect is so important, especially at this time when kids haven’t necessarily had all the activities they usually take part in with their friends and family… this has been really tough.
“I was just at a seminar where we talked about coming up to the anniversary (of COVID) and a lot of people have this fatigue, which is really a mental health thing, and for kids too. That’s something we don’t always think about.”
Beyond the current issues with the ongoing pandemic, the simple aspect of helping youngsters learn at a critical juncture of their development is also an important issue for Moose Jaw Literacy.
“It’s absolutely critical that children learn by Grade 3, if they’re reading at grade level by grade three, we know kids are likely to do better in school and, in fact, in life if they can read by then,” Boyczuk explained. “That’s not to say they can’t catch up but it’s something that’s important, especially helping kids improving their reading for sure.”
Pethick’s insights will undoubtedly be valuable in that regard. A Moose Jaw native, he holds a Masters degree in Special Education with a concentration in human behaviour, emotional/behavioural disorders and autism spectrum disorder, along with degrees in elementary education, early childhood education and reading. That, one top of his doctorate in business/organizational leadership.
Now based out of Texas, Pethick has had several scholarly articles published and continues to work with various countries in the areas of education and special education.
The event is acting as a fundraiser for the Optimist Club, with fee of $55 per session.
Tickets are available through the new sasktix.ca app, where you can search for Brain Builders, purchase your ticket and have the Zoom meeting ID sent to you 24 hours before the conference.
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