Shows
What the Family Studies?Dynamics of Human Relationships:Connection Matters!Ever watch students struggle to make eye contact or endure a moment of silence without reaching for their phones? You're not alone. In this revealing conversation with Lisa, a Family Studies department head in Hamilton, we explore the fascinating world of teaching "Dynamics of Human Relationships" - a course she believes should be mandatory in every school.Lisa's journey from social worker to educator provides her with a unique lens through which she approaches teaching relationships to today's digitally immersed teenagers. "I feel like so many kids don't know how to have a conversation with someone else,"...2025-06-0923 minWhat the Family Studies?What Can You Do With a Family Studies Degree? More Than You Think!The pathway from high school to meaningful career isn't always straightforward, especially for students passionate about understanding human development and family dynamics. In this special episode aimed at high school students, we turn the spotlight on Western University's Family Studies and Human Development program with two inspiring guests at different career stages.Associate Professor Roula Hawa and teacher candidate Grace Gillett share their journeys through family studies – Roula transitioning from 15 years as a high school family studies teacher to doctoral studies and university teaching, and Grace discovering her passion for education through Western's undergraduate program. Their stories re...2025-04-1229 minWhat the Family Studies?Nourishing Minds: Building a Healthier Future through School NutritionJoin us for a thought-provoking episode that uncovers the critical relationship between school nutrition and academic success. We have a captivating discussion with Carol Harrison, an esteemed dietitian with over 30 years of experience dedicated to promoting healthy eating among Canadian families and youth. Throughout the episode, we explore the issues related to food insecurity plaguing Canadian schools and how it affects students' ability to learn effectively.Carol sheds light on the landscape of Canada's school food policy, revealing both the progress made and the challenges that lie ahead. With rising food insecurity affecting more families than ever...2025-03-0540 minWhat the Family Studies?The Life of a Family Studies TeacherJoin us in this episode where we interview three amazing Family Studies educators. They share the challenges and rewards they face in teaching hands-on skills essential for real-world success. The discussion includes the need for curriculum updates, budgeting strategies, and the overarching aim to elevate the importance of Family Studies education within the academic landscape. • Highlights of hands-on teaching experiences • Concerns surrounding student expectations and perceptions of Family Studies • Strategies to manage financial constraints and maximize educational resources • The call for curriculum updates and making Family Studies courses mandatory • Final thoughts emphasizing the value of Family Studie...2025-01-2846 minWhat the Family Studies?Creating an Inclusive Classroom: Accessibility and Allyship in EducationUnlock the keys to creating a more accessible world for individuals with disabilities with guests Jessica Kruger and Charlene VanderGriendt. Imagine a school environment where physical barriers are no longer an obstacle, and inclusive education is the norm. We promise you'll gain insights into how the Rick Hansen Foundation is promoting and supporting accessibility in schools and communities. Jessica shares her personal journey of resilience after becoming a quadriplegic, highlighting the creative strategies educators use to include students with disabilities in all activities. Charlene outlines the Foundation's impactful School Program, which provides invaluable resources and professional development to foster a...2024-12-3117 minWhat the Family Studies?Embracing Change: One Teacher's Journey to Transformative Family Studies EducationDiscover how Tessa Casella's journey from aspiring English teacher to amazing family studies educator can inspire you to embrace change and find your true calling. With her diverse background, Tessa enriches her teaching with real-life applications while championing the integration of Indigenous perspectives in education. We also dive into the practical side of family studies education, where Tessa shares her engaging classroom activities, from matching monthly payments to lifestyle choices to organizing a grade 10 food class bake-off with local ingredients. Learn how these activities impart crucial life skills, like financial literacy, to students. Be sure to like a...2024-11-3022 minWhat the Family Studies?Literacy Adventures from Childhood to AdvocacyTeresa Hamilton Kerr, a passionate voice in literacy education, takes us on a journey through her career and life-long commitment to spreading the joy of reading. From her formative years in a print-rich home to her impactful work at the Hamilton Public Library, Teresa reveals the importance of early literacy and the power of intervention for struggling readers. Her transition to adult literacy advocacy at the provincial level provides a wealth of insights into how communities and educators can foster a love of reading among diverse groups.We uncover the enchantment of “Story Time with Mrs. T,” a be...2024-11-0233 minWhat the Family Studies?Unlocking the Power of Teacher Research at the Canadian Symposium on Home EconomicsUnlock the secrets to effective teaching research and engage with the vibrant community of home economists at the upcoming Canadian Symposium on Home Economics! Join us for the season premiere of "What the Family Studies," as we sit down with Theresa Aqui and Dr. Kerry Renwick. Dr. Renwick offers a historical glimpse into the symposium's evolution since its inception in 1990, while Teresa highlights what makes this event stand out from typical educational conferences. Whether you're a seasoned researcher or a teacher with invaluable classroom insights, discover how you too can contribute and share your work at this national biennial...2024-09-2323 minWhat the Family Studies?Nourishing Our Neighbors: The Heart of Community Food BanksIn today's episode we explore the operations of community food banks with Debbie Marson, Executive Director of the North Bay Food Bank. Debbie talks about the need for community support and advocacy to address issues of food insecurity. Together, we peel back the curtain on how these vital institutions run without government funding, rely on the generosity of people, and what truly makes a difference in aiding families in need. We discuss how we can enrich our family studies classrooms through community service. In this our last episode of season two, we wish all of you a relaxing and rej...2024-05-1821 minWhat the Family Studies?Stacey Green Whips Up Comic Relief for Mealtime MayhemEver find yourself locked in a battle of wills with a pint-sized food critic at your dinner table? Stacey Green, a registered holistic nutritionist and the author behind the hilariously honest cookbook "You'll Eat it and You'll Like it," joins us to talk about the messy, joyful chaos of family mealtime. Her philosophy of 'fed is best' is a life raft for parents navigating the stormy seas of picky eating and nutrition guilt, and she's not afraid to get real about the sometimes unpalatable truths of feeding a family.Flipping through the vibrant pages of "You'll Eat...2024-04-3022 minWhat the Family Studies?Whipping Up Success in the Flavourful World of Food Science CareersEver wondered how a scoop of your favorite ice cream came to be? Reid Ball, a food science whiz and product development technician at the Guelph Food Innovation Center, joined us to stir up the flavors of his educational and professional journey. With a sprinkle of high school courses and a dash of co-op programs, Reid whipped up a career path that proves a love for science and a keen palate can lead to mouthwatering success. From laboratory analyses to scaling products for production, Reid's insights into the world of food innovation are as rich and diverse as the...2024-03-2424 minWhat the Family Studies?RealCare Babies!Join us for this episode where we talk about using RealCare babies in our classrooms. We are joined by Matthew Colbeck from Studica and Lesia Hucal, a family studies teacher who uses RealCare babies in her classroom. We are really excited for this episode because we have an amazing prize for our listeners! Studica has donated a RealCare Pregnancy Profile for one lucky person. To enter the draw for the prize you will need to listen to the episode, complete an entry form using this link- https://forms.gle/mJwvNrb5MPd2FfgQ9 and answer a question about one of Studic...2024-02-2430 minWhat the Family Studies?Exploring Creativity through FashionIn this episode we interview Jenn Sobec. Jenn is currently in her 17th year as a secondary teacher with the Durham District School Board. She began her teaching career in English and History 16 years ago. She has also taught Special Education but upon return from a maternity leave was asked to teach Fashion. With no experience in Fashion and not knowing how to sew, Jenn accepted the challenge. She saw it as an opportunity to challenge herself to grow as a teacher. Jenn found that she loved teaching Family Studies, especially Fashion. She found that it brought her much h...2024-01-2821 minWhat the Family Studies?Indigenous Food Ways in the Family Studies ClassroomWe’re all excited to introduce our guest for this episode, Chef Destiny. Chef Destiny is the owner of FoodZen, a personal chef and pre-made meal business in Waterloo Region. FoodZen's goal is to bring zen to busy family schedules, assist professionals in a better work/life balance, and help seniors maintain their independence by providing locally made, healthy and delicious food.As an Indigenous chef, and growing up surrounded by a farming family, Chef Destiny's focus is to create meals that are hyper-local and ultra-seasonal. Her farm-to-table approach supports many local businesses and fav...2023-12-1527 minWhat the Family Studies?Incorporating 2SLGBTQIAP+ Identities into the Family Studies ClassroomIn this episode we interview Justin Büyüközer (he/him). He is a secondary Family Studies teacher who identifies with the 2SLGBTQIAP+community. We are excited to learn more from Justin as he shares how he attempts to update his knowledge and understanding of the ever-changing and evolving Queer community to ensure his lessons move beyond acceptance and into the understanding of identity intersectionalities within the classroom. Be sure to like and follow this podcast on your favourite podcast platform. Follow OFSHEEA on social media IG @OFSHEEAFacebook @Ontario Family Studies Home...2023-11-1420 minWhat the Family Studies?So I Want to Teach Family Studies - How Do I Get Qualified?Our first episode of our second season is available now!! Come and learn more about getting qualified to teach family studies in Ontario. We speak to Jane Witte, AQ instructor, about the different courses, what you will learn and why it is a great idea to get qualified to teach the best subject ever!Be sure to like and follow this podcast on your favourite podcast platform. Follow OFSHEEA on social media IG @OFSHEEAFacebook @Ontario Family Studies Home Economics Educators' AssociationEmail at ofsheea@ofsheea.ca 2023-10-2815 minWhat the Family Studies?That's a WrapIt’s been a full first season for our little podcast and we’ve learned a lot! We’ve interviewed a number of people like Cassie Brunsveld from Agscape, Heather Bamford teaching us about moving toward a Gradeless classroom and Leisa Hucal about the value of networking in the foods curriculum. We also talked to some of our students! Both Western Preservice Students and some of our high school students who love taking our classes. We have produced 16 episodes and had almost 1000 downloads this year! Throughout some of these interviews, we were often told that we should interview e...2023-06-3036 minWhat the Family Studies?Student Voice! Let's Hear What They Have to Say!!!In this episode we had the privilege to chat with two secondary students who have made Family Studies an important part of their course selections throughout high school! As teachers we all know the importance of listening to student voice to make our classrooms a welcoming place where we help students to gain both the skills they need for future schooling and for life. Join us as we listen and learn from Bane and Raffaella. Be sure to like and follow this podcast on your favourite podcast platform. Follow OFSHEEA on social media IG @OFSH...2023-05-2915 minWhat the Family Studies?Welcoming Our Next Generation of Family Studies Educators!During this episode we are doing something a little different. We are interviewing TWO current Western Faculty of Education students, Alex and Scarlett, about their pathway to teaching, why they decided to become family studies teachers and their perspectives on what it’s like to be a Faculty of Education student. Along the way we will learn some helpful tips for prospective associate teachers welcoming teacher candidates into their classrooms. Be sure to like and follow this podcast on your favourite podcast platform. Follow OFSHEEA on social media IG @OFSHEEAFacebook @Ontario Family Studie...2023-05-1723 minWhat the Family Studies?Family Studies: Don't Leave School Without It!In this episode we interview Family Studies teacher extraordinaire Val Hodowanski. We all know Val from the Ontario Family Studies Facebook page where she shares her amazing lessons ideas. Her creativity and ability to engage students is inspiration to us all. Join us to hear more from Val about how she uses student voice to increase enrollment in her courses and how she has built her program.Be sure to like and follow this podcast on your favourite podcast platform. Follow OFSHEEA on social media IG @OFSHEEAFacebook @Ontario Family Studies Home Economics Edu...2023-04-1928 minWhat the Family Studies?The Value of NetworkingIn this episode we interview Leisa Hucal about the value of networking. Lesia is a high school Family Studies teacher at St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School in Hamilton, Ontario. She came into teaching with a background and full-time career in dietetics and public health promotion. Lesia works collaboratively now to reinforce current trends and strategies with both staff and students that help to make food experience fun in the classroom, and strive to undo diet culture. She values the expertise of colleagues and partners in the health and education community that work in tandem to achieve more than...2023-03-1822 minWhat the Family Studies?Engaging in Conversation: Indigenous Perspectives in the Family Studies ClassroomWelcome to the episode 11 of “What the Family Studies?” Today we welcome Natasha Gleeson. Natasha is Inuk, having Inuit ancestry from Nunatsiavut (Labrador). Natasha is currently with the TDSB's Urban Indigenous Education Centre, where she is an Instructional Leader, supporting Indigenous Education through community connection, classroom and professional learning instruction, student success initiatives, as well as curriculum and resource development. We are so thrilled to be able to learn from Natasha today about how we can educate ourselves on Indigenous history in Canada, how we can decolonize our pedagogy and practice and understand how we can incorporate Indigenous voices into...2023-03-1438 minWhat the Family Studies?WE. ARE. FAMILY: Add the Learning Commons to the Family (Studies) tree!In our 10th episode of What the Family Studies? we meet Amanda Freeman. Amanda joined the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board in September of 2022 as the Manager of the System Learning Commons. Prior to joining the Board, she spent many years working in public libraries. As the manager of the system learning commons Amanda’s goal is to continue to nurture a love of reading in our community and to spark joy in our library spaces. During this episode, we discuss how we as Family Studies teachers can work alongside our school's teacher librarians to help our students develop their...2023-02-2323 minWhat the Family Studies?Learn, Unlearn, Relearn - Reflecting, Examining and Challenging Anti-Oppression in Family Studies ClassroomsIn our 9th episode of What the Family Studies? we meet Sharon Gordon. After working as family studies for 15 years, Sharon began a new position as a K-12 Equity Consultant at the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board in January of 2021. In this role, Sharon works with a team of 6 others to support the implementation of the board's Equity Action Plan. During this episode we discuss how we as Family Studies teachers can engage in decolonizing anti-racist, anti-oppressive frameworks within our classrooms and schools. Sharon will also share her experiences working with youth in our schools in the decolonization of education. We w...2023-02-0729 min
What the Family Studies?So I'm Teaching Fashion and I Can't SewIn this episode we meet Dubravka Prica. She has taughts for the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board for 15 years. She has taught Family Studies for 15 years, with a focus on Fashion. Her start to teaching Family Studies was unique, as she was not qualified and had never sewed. Through some bumps in the road, she has learned to approach teaching Fashion through the lens of a sewing novice. This has helped shape most of her teaching practice. If you are nervous about teaching fashion or would like to learn more about how to create a fashion classroom that focuses on equity...2023-01-0626 minWhat the Family Studies?Connecting with the National Eating Disorder Information CentreIn this episode we have the privilege of interviewing Ary Maharaj (he/him). Ary is a Registered Psychotherapist and currently works in community education at the National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC). NEDIC (https://nedic.ca) provides information, resources, referrals and support to Canadians affected by eating disorders and has collaborated with OFSHEEA on the creation of its Diet Culture advisory - https://ofsheea.education/advisory-documents/. In this episode we will learn more about the services that NEDIC provides to youth, families, educators and the community and gain an understanding of what we can do as family studies educators to...2022-12-0235 min
What the Family Studies?Creating a Diet Culture Free ClassroomIn this episode we get a chance to talk to Gwen Kostal. Gwen is an Ontario registered dietitian and the owner of Dietitians 4 Teachers. Dietitians 4 Teachers is dedicated to supporting educators to unlearn diet culture and find safer ways to teach about food and health. Gwen has over a decade of family and child nutrition experience and also works as a healthcare leader focusing on improving systems and processes and change management. If you would like to learn more about Gwen and Dietitians 4 Teachers check out her website at https://dietitians4teachers.ca/ Be sure to like and fo...2022-11-2133 min
What the Family Studies?Moving Toward a Gradeless ClassroomHave you ever considered going GRADELESS in your classroom? Check out our latest podcast episode on What The Family Studies!? where we continue our conversation with Heather Bamford on assessment and evaluation. Some additional resources on this topic include: Rethinking Letter Grades - https://www.portageandmainpress.com/Books/R/Rethinking-Letter-GradesGoing Gradeless 9-12 - https://us.corwin.com/en-us/nam/going-gradeless-grades-6-12/book276340Grading for Equity - https://gradingforequity.org/ Ungrading - https://wvupressonline.com/ungradingNow available on your favourite streaming services. Be...2022-11-0225 minWhat the Family Studies?Exploring Assessment in the Family Studies ClassroomIn this episode we start a conversation with teacher extraordinaire and self-proclaimed assessment geek Heather Bamford. Heather is a Family Studies Teacher at John Fraser Secondary School, who has been teaching in the Peel Board for 19 years. Heather is also in the role of Cross-Curricular Head of Assessment and Culturally Relevant and Responsive Pedagogy. Many of us know Heather as a long-time workshop presenter at OFSHEEA conferences and as a co-facilitator of the Leading Fashion Lab workshops. We are so excited to have Heather start the conversation around assessment practices that are grounded in equity and inclusion for all stu...2022-10-1522 minWhat the Family Studies?A Conversation about EquityIn this episode we talk to Theresa Aqui. Theresa is a teacher with the TDSB and the Toronto Representative for OFSHEEA, and has participated in writing projects for both these organisations. She is an enthusiastic Family Studies teacher who recognises the potential of this subject area to lead our education system in making positive and necessary changes to both content and pedagogy. Be sure to like and follow this podcast on your favourite podcast platform. Follow OFSHEEA on social media IG @OFSHEEAFacebook @Ontario Family Studies Home Economics Educators' A...2022-10-0113 minWhat the Family Studies?Getting to Know AgScapeIn this episode you will have to chance to hear more about AgScape and the work they do to support family studies educators in the classroom. As the voice of agriculture in the Ontario classroom, AgScape provides factual, balanced, curriculum-linked food literacy programs and resources to Ontario's educators and students. During this podcast we interview Cassi Brunsveld. Cassie is a Program and Resource Assistant. She oversees the Teacher Ambassador Program (Grade 4-12), thinkAG events and many other aspects of AgScape programming offered to Ontario teachers and students. Cassi is no stranger to the agriculture industry, being born an...2022-09-1417 minWhat the Family Studies?Welcome to What the Family Studies?Welcome to OFSHEEA's first podcast! We are excited that you have found us. Today you will meet our hosts, Laura and Cathy, who will interview Michelyn Gallant, a long time family studies educator and advocate. Michelyn will talk about her journey as an educator of family studies and her work to support students (and teachers!). Be sure to like and follow this podcast on your favourite podcast platform. Follow OFSHEEA on social media IG @OFSHEEAFacebook @Ontario Family Studies Home Economics Educators' AssociationEmail at ofsheea@ofsheea.ca 2022-08-2026 min