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Quiet Kindness in School: Socially and Emotionally Sophisticated Kindness Flying Beneath the Radar of Parents and Educators
No full textThis paper profiles the different ways in which elementary and middle school students report on their acts of kindness and introduces the concept of quiet kindness, a socially and emotionally sophisticated form of kindness that does not draw attention to the initiator, where the recipient remains potentially unaware of the act, and the kind act is not likely acknowledged or reinforced by external agents. Examples from surveys of over 3,000 Canadian elementary and middle school students help illustrate how children enact kindness in school. The developmental implications of quiet kindness for children are discussed alongside implications for parents and educators
A Narrative Inquiry Into the Experiences of Urban Indigenous Families As They Ready Their Children For, and During, Kindergarten
No full textIn this paper we draw on a study alongside urban Indigenous families in western Canada that inquired narratively into their experiences as they readied their children for, and their children participated in, kindergarten. We built relationships with eight urban Indigenous families. As we looked across their experiences, six resonant threads became visible: each family and their life situations are unique; families wish for mutual respect and collaboration between school and family; respect is significant; families are invested in their children doing well in schools; siblings shape stories of school readiness; and intergenerational stories and places shape readiness
Hydrological Assessment and Restoration of Water Resources in an Aluminum Industry
No full textFresh water ecosystems certainly perform an extremely important environmental role for the maintenance of biodiversity. The extension of the occupied area is large, therefore, bringing along its environmental impact. Because of this scenario, it is worth stressing the need to comprehend the many aspects responsible for the occurrence of water courses through hydrogeological and hydrological surveys. Through the support of hydrological and hydrogeological field monitoring it was possible to note the water dynamics in a region of 3400 hectares occupied by areas composed of bauxite residue, resulting from the process of generating aluminum. They are called Residue Storage Areas, or, RSA. Surrounding those areas, there are drainage nets mostly composed by springs and streams in which are considered as permanent preservation areas according to the Brazilian Forestry Code. Such areas should remain preserved or immediately restored considering the risks of environmental impact. In most of the cases, earthmoving works have the greatest potential and, indeed, a disturbed area under restoration actions was assessed. Basic restoration recommendations were set in the end with special attention in the implantation of drainage controlling devices
Creating Riparian Habitat Along a Drainage Ditch in the Kawartha Lakes
No full textThe creation of a riparian zone along the drainage ditch and surrounding area was funded by a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation received by the Kawartha Land Trust. The site had been previously assessed by the author and the information was used to complete this project. The ditch was naturally divided into 3 sections. Sixty-one, 4m by 4m plots were planted with one tree and 3-5 shrubs each. Trees and shrubs were selected with emphasis on site conditions, ecology of the area, and their ability to provide food and create habitat. Over time, the shrubs should spread out and the tree canopies should close over between the plots. One side of each ditch section was planted with wildflowers. However, the success of this is uncertain due to insufficient site preparation. The wildflowers allow continued access to the ditch and increase the diversity of the otherwise grass-dominated habitat. Volunteers did all the planting over two days. Each tree received rodent and deer protection along with a mycorrhizal inoculant. Future recommendations included planting more shrubs and trees closer to the stream, stream assessment and improvement, adding herbaceous species to the existing plots and adding more plots to create forested areas. As the trees and shrubs mature the area will meet the objectives of improving habitat, providing food and contribute to preventing runoff from entering the stream and flowing into the nearby wetland. Having a variety of habitats on agricultural land including, woodlands, wetlands and riparian areas, provides many services to both the farmer and the surrounding ecosystem
PREPAREDNESS FOR EMANCIPATION OF YOUTH LEAVING ALTERNATIVE CARE IN SERBIA
No full textThe process of preparing young people for leaving alternative care is not sufficiently researched in Serbia. In order to define what support is necessary for their successful emancipation, this study of 150 young people in care aims to analyse both their preparedness for leaving alternative care, and whether the type of placement (kinship, foster, or residential) makes a difference to the level of preparedness. A mixed method approach was applied. Quantitatively, questionnaires assessing factors contributing to successful emancipation were administered. Qualitatively, transcripts of discussions from 5 focus groups, consisting of a total of 26 participants from all 3 types of placement, were analysed. Most of the youth in the sample indicated they have self-care and housekeeping skills, social skills to make friendships and connections, good grades in school, and aspirations for further schooling and starting a family. However, negative feelings such as disturbance, fear, and sorrow, and a sense of missing support and feeling insufficiently prepared for leaving care were also evident in their answers. Both the focus groups and surveys suggest that the biggest concern with the independence of young people leaving alternative care is financial stability. Several recommendations for ways to influence the system in order to improve outcomes for young people are made