(NC)—On the 40th anniversary of the Official Languages Act, host Stuart McLean of CBC Radio's Vinyl Café decided to pay public tribute to the federal legislators of 40 years ago. Remembering the controversy surrounding the Act, and other equally contentious pieces of legislation such as the adoption of a new Canadian flag or the abolition of the death penalty, McLean told his audience: “It was the courage of those Parliaments and the politicians who were in the House at that time that gave me my great respect for the idea of public service and for those who put themselves forward for public service.”

(NC)—The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages (OCOL) offers a variety of resources on its Web site. These resources could be useful for general interest or for teachers in subject areas such as English or French as a first or second language, social studies and history.

(NC)—Canadians can also take pride in knowing that other countries around the world have been inspired by this approach. For example, in the United States, the model is used to teach Spanish and French; in Estonia, Estonian is taught as a second language to Russian speakers; and in Germany, the model is used to teach English.

(NC)—It's just as important for parents to be prepared for the new school year as their children. Being in the right frame of mind when the school bells begin to ring will help parents make smart, supportive decisions that can help their children find success. However, even the most experienced parents can make mistakes.

(NC)—A new school year is fast approaching and for many families, homework will once again become a nightly activity. Making homework a positive and productive experience is something that every parent aims for. According to a recent survey conducted by Ipsos-Reid for Kumon Math and Reading Centres, if parents take the time to teach their child to proactively ask for homework support, it can help them improve academic performance and enjoy a more rewarding homework experience.

(NC)—Did you know…in the time it takes to prepare a meal for your family or enjoy your favourite re-run of Grey's Anatomy, you can positively impact your child's academic performance? According to findings from a survey on education conducted by Ipsos-Reid, children who are performing at an above average level in school are spending 12 minutes more per night on homework than their struggling counterparts. In short, the children who spend those extra minutes studying are reaping the benefits of a richer educational experience that translates to success in the classroom.

(NC)—A new school year is fast approaching and once again children have a brand new slate. If we take time now, say education professionals, to stir up some excitement for learning, the usual back-to-school anxiety will not only be reduced, it will be replaced with a growing confidence.

(NC)—Did you know…using gifts to motivate children to complete their homework does as much damage as it does good? While offering gifts may inspire a more enjoyable homework experience, according to a survey of more than 1,000 Canadian parents conducted by Ipsos-Reid, there are also some unexpected negative side-effects, such as children expecting a reward and rushing to complete their homework – side-effects that greatly diminish the quality and undermine the importance of education. What can parents do? Focus on praise and encouragement. This advice is courtesy of Kumon Math and Reading Centres, the world's largest after-school math and reading program (www.kumon.ca and www.facebook.com/kumon).

(NC)—Looking for ways to get your child ready for the new school year? Why not use the final few weeks of the summer holidays to review last year's homework. This exercise will sharpen thinking and problem-solving abilities, while reinforcing core concepts that the next school grade will build upon. Your child can start the year learning, instead of playing catch-up. This advice is courtesy of Kumon Math and Reading Centres, the world's largest after-school math and reading program (www.kumon.ca and www.facebook.com/kumon).

(NC)—Does your child love to rock out to music or enjoy a competitive game of kickball with the neighbourhood children? Getting and keeping children moving has more than just physical benefits, it also stimulates children's most vital organs … their brains.

(NC)—According to a recent study from West Virginia University (WVU), physically fit children do better in school than their peers who are less fit. The researchers evaluated the fitness levels and standardized academic test scores of hundreds of Grade 5 students in West Virginia. When they re-examined the same children two years later they found that academic performance dipped when the students' fitness levels declined, and increased when their fitness improved.

(NC)—Making new friends. Dealing with homework. Fitting in. Back to school can be stressful for kids. Here are a few ways to keep them calm and relaxed so they can start the year off right.

(NC)—1.6 million Canadian children are considered overweight or obese. The problem seems overwhelming but the solution is not.

(NC)—Celebrities make headlines daily for their philanthropic work urging others to get involved and do their part. The tween generation is a segment that is easily inspired by famous people. Tween role models such as Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus are no exception when it comes to helping their communities and giving back. Although busy with their careers, these young stars still make time to volunteer and support charities.

(NC)—As any published author will tell you, becoming a good writer takes practice. When it comes to tweens, some smart tactics can do a lot to encourage their storytelling skills.

(NC)—It's a common occurrence to want more things in life and easily forget to be grateful for all that we have. Even having a roof over our heads is sometimes taken for granted. Passing along this message to tweens aged 9-12 who don't realize this, can be discouraging. Instead of lecturing your tween about why they should be more appreciative, here are three tips that can help teach the importance of being thankful and expressing it in a meaningful way:

(NC)—As another school year begins, the routine of busy mornings, packing lunches and after-school snacking returns. Breakfast for Learning offers these helpful hints for ensuring students get the nutrition they need to stay healthy and engaged in school:

(NC)—September is Breakfast for Learning Month and as children head back to the classroom, it is a great time to teach them about healthy eating and highlight the important link between nutrition and learning.

(NC)—With a new school year approaching, extracurricular activities, homework and play dates, making a healthy lunch or dinner can seem like a big challenge. However, Rose Reisman, a health and wellness consultant and national spokesperson for Breakfast for Learning, shares this grilled cheese recipe that is quick, easy and nutritious.

(NC)—As September falls upon us, getting the kids back into the school routine, car pooling and being on time can put enormous pressure on our lives and leave little time for thinking about nutrition.

(NC)—Taking advantage of both technological advances and the accessibility of Internet access, distance education courses have evolved from a traditional correspondence model. Today an independent student learns by interacting with dynamic courses that feature online resources ranging from math applets to media clips focused on real world examples.

(NC)—Adults who are thinking of earning credits or improving skills through education often think that their only option is to take a college of university level course. But, what about starting off with a high school course? Today's high school curriculum addresses the Ministry of Education expectation of providing students with both theoretical and skills based knowledge.

(NC)—For some, continuing education conjures up images of classrooms full of adults staring at a teacher after long day of work, raising kids and other daily commitments. That image can be discouraging and can even prevent adults from making the commitment to return to their education. Today, as technology evolves so do the options for adult learners – making education more accessible than ever.

(NC)—Yvette Sturge is a single parent from Oshawa Ontario.  She used to work as a human resources manager in the automotive industry, and spent her days counselling employees to complete their education and to reach for their goals.  But at 47 years old, she had an ironic secret: Yvette had never earned her high school diploma.But things changed when Yvette was laid-off and she was faced with trying to find work without a high school diploma. She wanted to stay in her chosen field, but that required getting the credentials that potential employers demanded.  She knew that she needed her high school diploma.

(NC)—When your child moves away from home for college or university, there are important changes and responsibilities to consider. Along with the emotional stress of having your young graduate leave home, you also need to consider what the move means for your finances and insurance policies.