Kyla Matton
Living in Montreal
Total page views: 33,283
Published Content: 98
Fans: 72
On AC since: 09.09.09
Bio:
I am a homeschooling mother who has recently rediscovered her love of vintage children's literature. Education and literacy are causes near to my heart, as is the care of special needs children.
As the daughter of two parents who served in the RCAF, the Royal Canadian Air Force, I have a special interest in the military. I support today's cadet program as an excellent resource for youth who would like a physical and intellectual challenge, and who want to learn a wide array of skills from survival and first aid, to leadership, to musical instruments.
I was born in Edmonton, Alberta and spent my most formative years in London, Ontario. Today I live in Montreal with my husband and four children. A recent exploration of Canada's history as part of my daughter's social studies program has renewed my interest in the past of New France (Quebec) and British North America.
October 2009 marks the beginning of a business relationship with homeschool and educational supplies distributor, CurrClick. My e-books will soon be available online through CurrClick.
Read more
I am a homeschooling mother who has recently rediscovered her love of vintage children's literature. Education and literacy are causes near to my heart, as is the care of special needs children.
As the daughter of two parents who served in the RCAF, the Royal Canadian Air Force, I have a special interest in the military. I support today's cadet program as an excellent resource for youth who would like a physical and intellectual challenge, and who want to learn a wide array of skills from survival and first aid, to leadership, to musical instruments.
I was born in Edmonton, Alberta and spent my most formative years in London, Ontario. Today I live in Montreal with my husband and four children. A recent exploration of Canada's history as part of my daughter's social studies program has renewed my interest in the past of New France (Quebec) and British North America.
October 2009 marks the beginning of a business relationship with homeschool and educational supplies distributor, CurrClick. My e-books will soon be available online through CurrClick.
Education/Experience:
AEC Gerontology, Collège Marie-Victorin, 1989 Valedictorian. Extensive experience with special populations: aged & special needs children, adult literacy clients. I firmly support lifelong learning, open universities & recognition of life experience.
AEC Gerontology, Collège Marie-Victorin, 1989 Valedictorian. Extensive experience with special populations: aged & special needs children, adult literacy clients. I firmly support lifelong learning, open universities & recognition of life experience.
Interests:
homeschooling, distance education, literacy, parenting, special needs, autism, ASD, ADHD, aging, frugal living, OAMC cooking, nature study, recitation, copywork & dictation, Charlotte Mason, Montessori, adoption, health, social justice, liberal arts
homeschooling, distance education, literacy, parenting, special needs, autism, ASD, ADHD, aging, frugal living, OAMC cooking, nature study, recitation, copywork & dictation, Charlotte Mason, Montessori, adoption, health, social justice, liberal arts
Motto:
Facio liberos ex liberis libris libraque, "I make free people out of children with books & balance."
Facio liberos ex liberis libris libraque, "I make free people out of children with books & balance."
Displaying Results 1 - 98 (of 98)
Quebec's 10 year old education reform has always been controversial. in a historica first, school board & union staff join together in suggesting changes to the reform.
By Kyla Matton | Published 2/8/2010
Medical journal The Lancet has withdrawn a 1998 paper published by Andrew Wakefield, which ignited fears over a possible connection between vaccines and autism.
By Kyla Matton | Published 2/3/2010
Teacher Book Bag's first in a series of "First Steps Reading" books is a big hit with the younger set! Introducing the "-at" family, it offers a variety of reading & hands-on activities emphasizing onset-rime combinations.
By Kyla Matton | Published 2/2/2010
New Learning publishing offers a child-directed literature study for Richard Peck's Newbery winning novel, A Year Down Yonder. The study is thorough, and requires no extra preparation on the part of the adult.
By Kyla Matton | Published 2/1/2010
English schools in Quebec offer three basic programs, based on how much French is taught & what role it plays in the overall curriculum. There are english Core, Bilingual and French Immersion to choose from.
By Kyla Matton | Published 1/31/2010
Registration for the 2010-2011 school year is about to begin in Montreal. New students who will be 4-6 by September 30 can be registered directly at school.
By Kyla Matton | Published 1/31/2010
Get a deeper understanding of what a macular hole is, and what it means for a person who has one.
By Kyla Matton | Published 1/30/2010
A macular hole is a tear in the macula lutea, a pigmented area of the retina that is responsible for central vision. Macular holes tend to occur most often in older people, the majority being women over age 60.
By Kyla Matton | Published 1/29/2010
Two Sides to Every Story, published by Teaching & Learning Company, is a wonderful cross-curricular tool for home or school exploration of ethics.
By Kyla Matton | Published 1/26/2010
Farmer's Boy Copywork & Coloring Book is a lovely introduction to Caldecott's works, and a labour of love as well.
By Kyla Matton | Published 1/24/2010
Twitter is a popular and useful tool, but there are still a number of online writers who haven't tried it. Here are some reasons to give it a thought, and a few tips that allow you to maximize the benefits.
By Kyla Matton | Published 1/20/2010
Plain Promise is the story of a man's journey to become a better father, to uncomplicate his life, and to reconnect with God
By Kyla Matton | Published 1/19/2010
People all over the world are deeply touched by the tragedy of the recent earthquake in Haiti, and want to send help. How to make sure your money really goes to helping the Haitian people instead of a scammer's pocket.
By Kyla Matton | Published 1/14/2010
In January 2010 an earthquake with a magnitude 7.0 struck Port-au-Prince, Haiti. An estimated 3 million people are affected. Children hear stories like this on the news or in school, but how can we help them understand numbers so huge?
By Kyla Matton | Published 1/13/2010
Nature study is often a focal point of homeschooling, but opportunities may be limited for families living in the city. Cornell Lab of Ornithology invites the public to Celebrate Urban Birds, which is a superb hands-on science activity for homeschoolers!
By Kyla Matton | Published 1/12/2010
Youth are strangling themselves or allowing friends to strangle them, calling it a choking game and looking to get high from it. This practice can lead to serious injuries including brain damage, and even to death. Informed parents can protect their kids.
By Kyla Matton | Published 1/11/2010
Back to school after Christmas means back to homework too. Parents of younger students may find homework just as stressful as their children. School guidelines make it easier to cope.
By Kyla Matton | Published 1/9/2010
A Swiss Ferrari driver has been issued a record breaking fine after speeding, then lying to the court. Forget the stories about no speed limits on the Autobahn! In Switzerland there are speed limits - and harsh penalties too!
By Kyla Matton | Published 1/8/2010
Degrassi: The Next Generation's Stacey Farber (Ellie Nash) is ready for something new! In 18 to Life, she tackles a comedic role. The show promises to be worth watching in the weeks to come!
By Kyla Matton | Published 1/5/2010
NORAD is tracking Santa's progress on Christmas Eve, a tradition reaches back to 1955 when a Sears store misprinted the phone number in an ad for children to call Santa. The number actually connected to the Continental Air Defense Command!
By Kyla Matton | Published 12/24/2009
College instructors are increasingly complaining that students are arriving in their classrooms without the most basic skills. Despite all the differences in our educational system the scenario in Quebec is no different from anywhere else.
By Kyla Matton | Published 12/22/2009
Pregnant women are at an elevated risk for serious complications due to H1N1 influenza, but many are reluctant to be vaccinated all the same. Weighing the facts for women who want to be informed.
By Kyla Matton | Published 12/19/2009
Autistic children have special needs when it comes to their education, but you may not be aware that they are a population particularly at risk because of difficulty understanding situations, orienting themselves, or sensing things like danger or pain.
By Kyla Matton | Published 12/13/2009
Signs of autism are often noted starting around 12 to 18 months but diagnosis is often delayed until 24 to 48 months. Treatment typically begins months or years later, and some children age off waiting lists without receiving any intervention.
By Kyla Matton | Published 12/13/2009
French immersion and International Baccalaureate programs are very popular with parents, who realize fluency in a second or third language is a huge asset.
By Kyla Matton | Published 12/1/2009
Could shepherd's pie really be symbolic of the three cultures that came together to create Quebec? A museum exhibit in Montreal wants us to consider it! Before heading out, learn more about the museum and about shepherd's pie too!
By Kyla Matton | Published 11/27/2009
HootSuite, a popular tool for managing Twitter activity, offers the ability to add both Facebook and LinkedIn accounts. A single app now allows users to send and receive data between multiple accounts.
By Kyla Matton | Published 11/26/2009
Social media networks like Twitter are a powerful marketing tool for the freelancer, the small business, and the multi-level marketing group. An example of how a marketer used a targeted Tweet to reach a niche market, and a discussion of the results.
By Kyla Matton | Published 11/24/2009
Ginger beer is a traditional West Indian beverage, usually served in summer. But the ginger is warming when the weather is cold, and helps chase away winter ills!
By Kyla Matton | Published 11/17/2009
H1N1 vaccination centers using a coupon system have been praised in Quebec and elsewhere. Reduced wait times and a streamlined process are definitely a bonus, but are health officials making decisions against the will of the people?
By Kyla Matton | Published 11/16/2009
Does Twitter turn generally decent young folk into cranky Twits? Or is it that the average youth today has a complete lack of manners?
By Kyla Matton | Published 11/13/2009
H1N1 vaccination clinics will soon be open to healthy youth aged 5-19 in Montreal. Laval is ahead of schedule and is already accepting healthy youth at its flu shot clinics.
By Kyla Matton | Published 11/12/2009
Demonstrators gathered outside Montreal's Black Watch armoury to stage a protest against the visit of Prince Charles to Quebec. Soldiers guarding the armoury were pelted with eggs before the police riot squad brought the crowd under control.
By Kyla Matton | Published 11/11/2009
Poppies are a sign of Remembrance. They show respect for our veterans and war dead. They also generate funds that help support living veterans and their families. Let us teach our children to wear the poppy.
By Kyla Matton | Published 11/9/2009
H1N1 vaccination clinics in the province of Quebec prioritized very young children and pregnant women last week, despite earlier plans to also target those with chronic illness. People under age 65 with chronic conditions can now receive the vaccine.
By Kyla Matton | Published 11/9/2009
Canadian Forces military recruiters are targeted by a coalition of teachers and students denounces recruiting who claim the military budget should be spent on preventing drop-outs and bullying in schools, and say military is no longer a noble profession.
By Kyla Matton | Published 11/8/2009
Canadian Forces military recruiters are no longer welcome at school career fairs and similar events in Quebec. A coalition of teachers and students denounces recruiting and says the military is taking advantage of underprivileged students.
By Kyla Matton | Published 11/8/2009
Quebec's H1N1 Decision Chart tells parents of children up to age 2 to bring their child to the ER for a fever. ER's at Montreal's children's hospitals are overcrowded; doctors want to see recommendations changed for children over 3 months of age.
By Kyla Matton | Published 11/3/2009
H1N1 vaccination clinics are turning seniors away across Canada, even when the clinics are simultaneously vaccinating those over 65 for seasonal influenza. What will be the impact on the Canadian public?
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/31/2009
Homemade soup on a cold winter night - there's nothing better! This easy version of beef noodle soup is economical and quick to make. The spice makes it great for cold & flu season, when throats are sore. It's a real hit with the kids too!
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/30/2009
Baked apples are an old fashioned treat for warming up after Trick or Treat, Christmas carolling, sledding or skating. This easy version can be prepared in advance and popped in the microwave when you get home.
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/30/2009
H1N1 flu - or any Influenza like illness (ILL) - can be safely cared for at home in many cases. Recognizing flu symptoms, and knowing when to seek medical assistance.
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/29/2009
It's pretty much expected to carve a pumpkin every year at Halloween, right? It's an age old tradition brought to the New World by our ancestors - who never saw a pumpkin till they got here . . .
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/28/2009
H1N1 vaccination has begun in the United States and the rest of Canada, but the Montreal area will be late distributing swine flu shots. When you can expect to go for your vaccine.
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/27/2009
Halloween traditions draw heavily on the Celtic feast of Samhain, but few North Americans are familiar with traditional UK foods for this autumn holiday. Frugal Irish foods for Halloween beginning of course, with potatoes.
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/25/2009
Apple spice and pumpkin spice are warm blends that include cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, ground cloves, coriander or mace. These easy homemade blends are good in pies, cakes, puddings, and even hot beverages. They make great gifts.
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/23/2009
Gingersnap pumpkin pie is an easy, make-ahead recipe. If the crust is prepared ahead of time, it's no-bake. The addition of the pear slices makes for a lovely surprise in each slice!
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/22/2009
Canada has now approved the H1N1 vaccine and provinces are getting set to distribute it to those at highest risk. News on what to expect.
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/21/2009
Brother André is today one step closer to becoming a saint. This humble man founded the massive Saint Joseph's Oratory, and although he never admitted to performing miracles, he is believed to have helped cure many faithful pilgrims.
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/20/2009
H1N1 vaccines for pregnant women have been ordered without the effectiveness boosting adjuvant, as little research is available on safety in pregnancy. Despite early roll-out of H1N1 shots non-adjuvanted vaccine will not be among them.
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/19/2009
Health Canada has quietly shipped two million doses of H1N1 vaccine to the provinces, in anticipation of its approval. Vaccination will start within days of approval, hopefully in time to head off the second wave of flu pandemic.
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/19/2009
Tourtière is a traditional meat pie served in Quebec, most notably at Christmas time. This recipe from the Lac St-Jean region serves 20 people.
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/18/2009
Lemon pudding cake, or lemon sponge pudding, is a light cake layer with a tart tasting sauce the colour of sunshine. It's wonderful served hot in fall and winter, and makes a refreshing spring or summer dessert when chilled.
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/16/2009
ADHD is a controversial diagnosis that some people think is applied more often than warranted. Unfortunately there are many girls whose attention deficits go undetected for years. What to look for.
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/16/2009
Recipes from the Depression and World War II needed to be simple and to use readily available ingredients. War Cake and Poor Man's Pudding need neither eggs nor butter.
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/15/2009
Parental involvement in a child's education is known to be key to a student's academic success. A popular poem about the teaching profession seems to celebrate the role of the parent - but perhaps leads to misunderstanding it.
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/15/2009
Computers can be a teaching tool, but some parents and educators are slow to embrace technology. Experts warn kids are spending too much time in front of screens, both large and small. It works for us, though!
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/15/2009
Tattling is a struggle for parents and educators of small children. Kids struggle to learn the difference between the telling that helps keep someone safe, and tattling on another child. Parents can help them to learn problem solving.
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/14/2009
In Quebec all children must attend school in French unless they have a legal
exemption. Francophones and newcomers are rarely granted exemption, but may still opt to homeschool in English or any other language.
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/14/2009
Doing well on many Facebook social games depends on the number of friends you have who are playing. How to find more game friends, and how to manage your privacy once you do.
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/13/2009
Handwashing is our best defense against transmission of H1N1 influenza, and many public places dispense hand sanitizer for our convenience. Easy, right? Maybe not! What can go wrong and how to do it right.
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/13/2009
Pregnant women are hesitant to be vaccinated against H1N1 influenza, but are at higher risk of health problems resulting from swine flu. In Quebec pregnant women can apply for preventive maternity leave.
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/12/2009
Attending a holiday dinner or family birthday party can be a harrowing experience for the family of a special needs child. Preparing yourselves before you leave home can help to make the event a more positive one for you and your child.
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/12/2009
Apple crisp is a relatively new invention in cooking. It has quickly become a staple in everyone's cookbook and is a comfort food for many. This homestyle recipe has a number of variations and is easy enough for even kids to prepare.
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/11/2009
If trick or treating is not great in your part of Montreal, or if you'd like your kids to participate in some Halloween activities with a bit more depth, check out this listing! Everything is affordable, on the Island, and accessible by public transit.
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/10/2009
Montreal's museums and libraries offer a number of Halloween activities for children and their families. Check out what's planned for Halloween 2009!
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/10/2009
A collection of Thanksgiving activities for kids, with a slightly different twist. These are great for teachers, homeschoolers, or community youth leaders. Girl Scout leaders, there are some great badge resources here too!
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/9/2009
Audio-books are a learning tool for reluctant readers and disabled students, and they help educators and parents find a little extra time in the day for literature. LibriVox is a source of great literature in audio format, free to all.
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/8/2009
Homeschooling records are not required by law in all jurisdictions, but they can be be helpful for such things as college admissions and to document progress. What to record and how.
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/7/2009
A focus on teaching phonics often results in de-emphasis of literature in the early primary English curriculum. When literature is chosen to fit reading ability, students are not exposed to great literature at a time when they can best appreciate it.
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/6/2009
Powdered milk is not generally a favourite, especially amongst those of us whose first experience with it goes back several decades. Nevertheless it remains a less expensive alternative to fresh milk, and offers benefits not found in fresh milk.
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/5/2009
National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) takes place each year in November. The goal is to get people writing - a 50,000 word novella to be exact. Other sites offer similar challenges for youth, editing, comic and script creation, and more.
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/3/2009
Arguments are a normal part of healthy group processes. They offer the opportunity to define goals and values, and to resolve conflict. When the next one arises, will you contribute positively or will you be a blocker?
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/2/2009
The Zostavax (singles, or herpes zoster) vaccine is now available to Canadians 60 and over. Presenting some information to help our seniors make the best decisions about this vaccine.
By Kyla Matton | Published 10/1/2009
Schools are a great place to get sick, and often not a great place for washing facilities. Despite this fact some schools are not permitting students to use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, out of a fear over what danger they might pose.
By Kyla Matton | Published 9/30/2009
Mixed martial arts generally refers to a fighting style in which techniques from a number of styles are used together. But consider a mix in which students of different ages and rankings come together to learn, for the benefit of all!
By Kyla Matton | Published 9/30/2009
Review of an Old El Paso hard shell taco dinner kit that features taco shells that stand up on their own
By Kyla Matton | Published 9/29/2009
A new AC writer discusses the warm reception she's found in a new community
By Kyla Matton | Published 9/29/2009
This is a layered shepherd's pie made with ground beef, corn and mashed potato in the style of New England or the Québecois pâté chinois. The addition of the carrot gives it a sweet taste and extra nutrients.
By Kyla Matton | Published 9/28/2009
Old Spice Conditioning Hair & Body Wash is a three-in-one personal care product that has a gentle formula and a light scent. With the exception of babies, it is suitable for pretty much anyone in the family.
By Kyla Matton | Published 9/27/2009
Seasonal flu vaccination has been delayed in several Canadian provinces, in favour of H1N1 vaccine. If you are 65 or older, check with your health provider to determine which shots you need & when.
By Kyla Matton | Published 9/27/2009
An unexpected utility outage can have a family scrambling for a means to prepare meals. Adverse weather or illness can keep you from doing the shopping. How to prepare ahead so your family can eat during minor emergencies.
By Kyla Matton | Published 9/27/2009
While some places in the world will be offering both H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines this fall, there has been discussion in parts of Canada about cancelling or delaying distribution of the regular flu vaccine. Which one do you need?
By Kyla Matton | Published 9/24/2009
Caffeine can be found in a variety of products, from teas and coffees, to energy drinks and chocolate bars. Women wanting to limit caffeine intake during pregnancy often turn to herbal alternatives.
By Kyla Matton | Published 9/24/2009
Being Erica is a fresh, quirky, fun show airing on CBC TV and Soapnet. It is sort of Doctor Who meets Dr. Jung, with a few twists thrown in to edify and amuse. The show is also distributed worldwide through BBC
By Kyla Matton | Published 9/23/2009
We used to accept that blood pressure naturally increased with age, but today doctors have refined definitions of hypertension. Controlling salt intake is an important way to avoid getting high blood pressure.
By Kyla Matton | Published 9/23/2009
Twitter can be a wonderful place to network and to discover the works of other writers. It is also unfortunately another place to get spammed. Some criteria for following Twitter members, that might be useful to you.
By Kyla Matton | Published 9/22/2009
People should respect one another's choices, but so often we feel we can't be different or refuse an invitation. In fact we feel we must defend our choices instead. Being assertive.
By Kyla Matton | Published 9/21/2009
Who needs a mask during an H1N1 outbreak, what kind of mask, and how it should be used. Also includes helpful advice on preventing transmission and stocking a useful emergency kit.
By Kyla Matton | Published 9/20/2009
Children need to learn conflict resolution skills as young as possible. When they develop these skills a more peaceful home environment is the result, and kids can better handle conflict outside the home too.
By Kyla Matton | Published 9/20/2009
A look at what's in the salad, how nutritious it is, and whether it pleased our family.
By Kyla Matton | Published 9/19/2009
Children need special care when they get diarrhea. Learn to prevent the transmission of microbes that cause infectious diarrhea, and get simple inexpensive recipes for both prevention and treatment.
By Kyla Matton | Published 9/19/2009
A new flu season is beginning, and another round of H1N1 (swine flu) with it too. This isn't the first time the world has seem H1N1, but the earlier pandemic may have been worse than anything we will experience.
By Kyla Matton | Published 9/18/2009
Is fruit juice a necessary part of a child's daily food intake? What doctors are saying about juice, and how to consume it wisely.
By Kyla Matton | Published 9/17/2009
North American doctors are now being asked to wait a few days before prescribing antibiotics for most children with ear infections. Learn why, and whether this is appropriate for your child.
By Kyla Matton | Published 9/16/2009
With cold and flu season upon us, and the worry over swine flu this fall too, it's important to understand what is effective in controlling transmission and treating infections. Learn what works - and what's overkill.
By Kyla Matton | Published 9/16/2009
A mother's desire for her special son, and other children like him, to be thought of first as some mother's child.
By Kyla Matton | Published 9/15/2009
Quebec's current dropout rate of 29% is the worst in Canada and it is growing. The province has now revealed a thirteen point plan for addressing the problem, for which it has been severely critiqued over a prolonged period of time.
By Kyla Matton | Published 9/10/2009
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