David Bouchard

The Holy Trinity

noreply@blogger.com (David Bouchard) — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 23:22:00 +0000

The Haudenosaunee speak of a man who was born to a virgin, a man whose canoe was made of stone and a man who was known to have changed and saved the world. This man, Peacemaker, created wampum and gifted the Haudenosaunee with the Great Law.

Peacemaker's story is too obvious not to see the similarities with the Christians' Jesus.

Another story I find interesting (and another story I retold) is Raven and Whale. It is perhaps not as obvious as Peacemaker's story but you can easily see the similarity with Jonah's being swallowed by a whale (again, in the Hebrew bible).

If you find these similarities interesting, let me tell of the concept of Holy Trinity from the perspective of the Inuit.

The Holy Trinity consists of God the Father, God the son and God the Holy Spirit. God, the Father is usually depicted as a bearded older (white) gentleman. God the son looks the way the Bible would have you see Jesus, a handsome 30 yr. old white man. God the Holy Spirit is usually depicted as a white dove.

Among the Inuit, if a picture of the Holy Trinity existed (and there are large numbers of Christians in the north), God the Father would be a bright ball of light. His/her power is such that humans could not look upon them. God the son would be a being neither male nor female and they would be beautiful, kind and loving.

God the Holy Spirit would be Raven. As with the Christian Dove, Raven has the power of God because Raven is one third of the Holy Trinity. Raven is God himself.

And Raven is often the intermediary between God and humans and thus the thing of legends.

You can now see why Raven is revered above all others; flyers, four leggeds and swimmers.

In Inuit mythology, Tulugaak, known as the Raven God, plays a central role in creation and spiritual balance.

Represented as a powerful and benevolent being, Tulugaak embodies wisdom and connection to the spiritual realm.

Inuit traditions revere Tulugaak as a guide and protector, emphasizing respect for nature and spiritual harmony.

Inuit mythology originates from the rich cultural traditions of the indigenous Inuit peoples, blending spiritual beliefs and storytelling passed down through generations. These myths and legends form a vital part of Inuit identity and worldview, shaping their understanding of the natural and supernatural worlds.

Inuit mythology highlights the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world, emphasizing respect and harmony with the environment. Gods and spirits in Inuit belief systems personify natural forces and elements, underscoring the intrinsic link between spirituality and the land.

He speaks to students. He also speak to parents and to teachers:

noreply@blogger.com (David Bouchard) — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 01:58:00 +0000

Over the past two decade, David has spoken to parents around the world...from India to Britain...from Texas to Colorado...from Newfoundland to the NWT! His message is one that every parent should hear: Reading is the key to success for your children...in school and once they have left school.

David spells out why reading is that important. He is very clear in teaching parents how a person becomes a reader. And he offers strategies that are real and achievable for every family. He calls these his Three R’s of becoming a reader.

Maya Angelou was right when she said, “Parents who know better - do better!” All they need is to know. David provides that knowledge. He also provides the inspiration necessary to go along with that knowledge.

Here is letter of invitation from one parent who witnessed the powerful impact of his parent workshop:

Dear Parents:

You are encouraged to attend a presentation by renowned Canadian author David Bouchard as he addresses our community.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for us all. We owe it to our children to be in attendance.

David Bouchard champions reading and tackles illiteracy! His message focuses on books, reading and specific responsibilities in making our children literate! He reminds us that educators and parents alike are responsible for the state of literacy among our youth. He speaks to how, when and why we lost focus of our responsibilities in promoting literacy. He offers a realistic, practical solution to the problem.

Bouchard also offers his audiences a sense of how language, rhythms and fine art can come together to inspire, teach and form ageless beauty.

A teacher’s response after hearing David’s keynote speech to a British Columbia School District:

"David Bouchard is, without a doubt, THE most dynamic & inspirational speaker I have ever heard! His memory lives large! He and his message are unforgettable!!!!!!"

Mr. Bouchard’s wealth of experience comes from 28 years as a teacher and administrator! He knows how to speak to teachers, administrators and parents.

He has twenty-five award winning books with a unique cross-over flavour. Many are of a multi-cultural nature, done collaboratively with First Nation artists and the master artist, Zhong-Yang Huang who has illustrated his tremendously successful Chinese Trilogy (translated into several languages and is distributed the world over). Voices From the Wild won the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry award as the best volume of poetry for children published in the U.S. in 1997.

His books are an amalgamation of the arts: poetry, prose, visual art, and music. He appeals to children of all ages as well as to teachers, teacher librarians, administrators and parents.

In response to a presentation at a joint staff/parent pro-d workshop:

"Words do not describe the inspiration that David brings throughout his presentation. His manner and his message are captivating. The group sat throughout the evening presentation cherishing each anecdote and the reading of his work was spellbinding."

In response to a keynote address to the teachers, administrators and support staff of the Powell River School District:

"Mr. Bouchard is a dynamic and inspirational speaker who captured his audience from the beginning with his entertaining mixture of personal anecdotes, practical suggestions and obvious belief in the importance of literacy and literature in every life. His keynote address revitalized our teaching body and sent them back to the classroom fired with enthusiasm and with workable ideas to rekindle the joy of reading in all their students."

David Bouchard speaks to his books and to reading. He has a plethora of insights and experiences in the ever so crucial topic of literacy...he speaks to these with a passion second to few.

Responses to a presentation in Montana:

"Wow! Right between the eyes...right where, we, as lazy parents and smug educators need it. Mr.Bouchard was a terrific reality check."

"What a delightful man. It was a great way to begin our year - better than any I’d seen in 17 years."

You will not be disappointed in his message, his energy or his passion for books, children and literacy.

Is an author visit worthwhile?

noreply@blogger.com (David Bouchard) — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 20:00:53 +0000

An author visit is worthwhile, inspiration being the most important of the many benefits,

Here are a few of the many responses to my student presentations...

1. I wanted to thank you for the time you spent with our students. It meant so much to them that an author, and a Metis man, would take the time to acknowledge them. They left talking about what gifts they might possess and how the expectation was they needed to share those gifts with others. Our students are rich in many ways but don’t often have a role model in the literacy world. You provided them with that missing piece. You know all the blessings you brought to them and I thank you for taking the time to share them.

I also want to thank you for bringing mental health to the forefront. It is a topic we do not talk about enough and your passion about it will

encourage us to address it daily.

If you are ever looking for something to do when in our city, our doors are open.

2. I would like to thank you deeply for coming to our school and presenting your life story for us. I would love for you to come again.

And when you said that reading would help your education and make school a lot easier I went home and the first thing I did was read a book that I already started. Many authors have come to spend some time with us and tell us about reading and how important it is but out of all that came hear I find that you are the most influencing and inspiring out of all.

3. I can think of nothing but positive things to say about your presentation. As I speak French and German, I was pleased to hear that you do too.

I was also delighted to hear a French-Canadian accent; I have never heard one before, and I found it fascinating, not to mention hilarious (in a good way). I would like to thank you for your honesty in all subjects you spoke about, good and bad. I found the tale of Robbie heart-wrenchingly sad and yet full of hope, thank you for sharing it with us. I find your poems, your "rap for old people", very beautiful, and I am elated at having discovered it. I can but express my joy at your coming to ASB, and hope that you will come back one day.

4. Thank you so much for coming to our school and talking to us. From all the different authors that have come to our school I think you have been the best and most inspiring author.

I’m not jus saying that; I really feel that way. Your sense of humor is great and I had a lot of fun listening to you. I also really appreciate how you are so honest about yourself and your family. I think you play the flute really well and I love the song you wrote about your grandmother. I even had more fun with your books because of the rap and poems in it; it’s much more interesting to listen to than reading normal books everywhere. I really want to read the book you wrote for your daughter. All of the stories you told us were so inspiring; before you came I wasn’t a reader but now I think I’m definitely going to start reading.

5. Thank you for coming and presenting at my school. You are a very unique writer and a very inspiring person. I am in grade 12. I really enjoyed your talk. I fall under the category of those who don’t like reading.

I hate it when a teacher call on me to read in front of the class, I feel as if everyone is going to mock me because I read slow and get words mixed up easily. I have never approached any of my teachers really because they would always say, well you can read a easier book! Well I think them doing that has caused me to never want to try the harder novels. I have probably only read 2 or 3 full novels and that is probably including ones that I skipped a chapter or at least a few pages.

I have such a great imagination and would love to enjoy reading. My dad used to read to me all of the time when I was younger and I wish he still did. I enjoy short stories and things like that but I get bored easily and need something to really grab my attention....Could you please send me the names of a few books that you would recommend. You are unlike any authors I’ve heard of. It is unique how you go around giving talks about your books and your life. Most authors, if they said write to them, would probably have someone working for them reply to all of their so-called fans! But it is nice how you are so involved with the community and the students who, even if only a few are inspired, makes all the difference in the world. I know I am rambling on but I would really like you help in guiding me down what has been a hard and frustrating road - reading well and enjoying it. Thank you for your time and I hope to hear from you in the near future.

Inspired

You didn’t lecture,
But tried to help.
Still had giggles
The comedy sticks to my brain like kelp!

I’m inspired now,
To pursue my dreams.
I see the light of the future in my hands,
Oh how that light gleams.

You didn’t brag,
You seem down-to-earth.
Truly a brilliant person,
Two glances is way less than you’re worth.

An inspiring author,
Is what you are!
Don’t forget that message,
Because you have got so far!

A Haudenosaunee Story

noreply@blogger.com (David Bouchard) — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 19:59:19 +0000

Michael Lovechild and Allen Sapp are two of Saskatchewan's most popular artists. I am privileged to have collaborated with them both.

In this sweet book, Michael and I share the Haudenosaunee story of the Three Sisters.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

noreply@blogger.com (David Bouchard) — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 16:13:00 +0000

Saint Patrick's Day always brings this project/book to mind.

This was to be a fundraiser for African children inflicted with AIDS. Sadly, politics got in the way and I am left with ...this...from what would have been a wonderful resource. In spite of the disappointment, I loved the journey that got us this far.

Robbie Burns (Scottish of course) said that not reading poetry aloud is like playing tennis without a net. So please, in your best Irish accent, give it a read.

Mission Accomplished

noreply@blogger.com (David Bouchard) — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 17:51:00 +0000

Mission Accomplished

Calgary...Edmonton...and today, home from Vancouver.

Mine is the most satisfying work you can possibly imagine. If you've yet to witness one of my presentations and are considering inviting me to speak to your students or staff or parents, this post should serve you well.

My most recent presentation was to the eight hundred angels at Minnekhada Middle School in Port Coquitlam. The feedback I received was nothing less than humbling. Thank you Mustangs (and staff). What I set out to do, I did. I can proudly say "mission accomplished".

What was my mission?

1. To Entertain – to make our time together enjoyable and fun - for students, staff and parents...by playing fun, uplifting music (Unstoppable by Sia) as we gathered...then a song on my flutes as an introduction to my heritage and my upcoming message.

Mission accomplished.

2. To be meaningful to all students, including those with Special Gifts –

To include everyone by focussing on the reality that we all have a special gift. It is unfortunate that we refer to some students as having "special needs". The truth is, some of us have special gifts. I repeatedly spoke in terms of Different Abilities in contrast to Disabilities.

It took me 45 years to realize that my gift is that of a "story teller". It then took the courage of Bear for me to take a huge step away from my safe profession as a school principal to the unknown world of a touring story teller/author.

I asked students to become involved:...Raise your arm if you can draw/paint. Good. Thank you. Raise your arm if you cannot draw/paint. Good. Thank you. Now raise your arm if you can dance...and then if you are good with numbers...good with animals...athletic...etc... Students know what they love as it is often directly related to what they are good at: their gift. Mission accomplished.

3. Poetry – the spoken word - I read from...(rapped from) one of my books. I lightened things up all the while sharing the power of rap - poetry. I shared Voices from the Wild and gave a copy of the book to a student.

Mission accomplished.

4. Indigenous learning – Meet your Family - Seven Sacred Teachings -

Most schools, if not every school, are making Indigenous studies a school focus. It is past the time that Canadian students understand that we are all one family. We are all related. This reality is but one of many Indigenous teachings that can be shared with our youth. My book Meet Your Family tells that story.

We are one family. We all share the same Mother, Father, Grandfather...

And of course the Teachings...a natural way to see the world and how best to live our lives.

Some First Nations refer to the Teachings as the Grandfather Teachings. Others speak of the Teachings of White Buffalo Calf Woman. The Haudenosaunee subscribe to the Great Law in which the Teachings are deeply rooted.

Nations should never go to war over the belief that one religion is better than another.

The natural way at achieving peace and harmony lies in the teachings.

I shared the Teachings in a manner that is easy to understand and to remember. I gifted two books during this sharing, one to the student who is gifted with a memory that allows them to recall them and another book to a student whose gift is not that memory recall but something else that they can identify.

"Wow! Thank you so much for the presentations. You lit a fire under the teachers to reteach the 7 sacred teachings!"

Mission accomplished.

5. Mental Health

Students heard me say that mental health is as real as a broken arm or the need for glasses. Thos message should not be talked about on one day of the year but as often as possible by those of us in a position of influence.

Mission accomplished.

Is Alberta really redneck

noreply@blogger.com (David Bouchard) — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:18:00 +0000

Teachers 1 - Rednecks 0

The politics of "education" in Alberta is interesting. It is also challenging.

Many families have a "black sheep". Alberta is looking more and more as if it is Canada's.

In a family, there’s often one child that’s quicker or more pleasant or bigger and stronger than it’s siblings. In Canada, Alberta might be that child. Let's face it, Alberta has prairies galore, an abundance of forests and lakes and it has those spectacular mountains. And oh, let's not forget, it has oil.

Add to all this, there exists a passageway between Alberta and the United States, a doorway that doesn’t exist among other provinces. If there are any problems between Alberta and the rest of Canada, these will surely be magnified by the influence of the USA. Canada and the USA are very different as countries and as people.

In spite of all its many blessings, Alberta has in the past, elected governments that are similar to those of the other two prairie provinces. They have chosen a government that is uniquely socially minded by nature. The most recent of these was ten years ago when the NDP formed a majority government. Today however, much of what's taking place in Alberta seems to be driven by economics and a whole series of programmes and policies promoted by the US.

However, when it comes to my personal experiences in Alberta, all which are in the field of education, things couldn’t be more different.

Over the past thirty years, I have worked extensively with teachers, administrators and trustees, parents and students.

Alberta teachers are as professional and dedicated as teachers anywhere in the world. They work as hard and harder than most given the restrictions and directives of a government whose primary focus might not be education, health and other socially related fields.

Alberta parents, not unlike parents anywhere in the world, love their children unconditionally and would do anything for them. Parents simply need to be given the facts (told the truth) and given the direction they need to play their role in educating their children.

Trustees and board members are equally as caring and dedicated. The challenge they face is that they have been elected into an educational system that has taken on a life of its own, one that has been fed and nurtured by the US. This speaks to
extensive testing at younger and younger ages, labelling kids, believing in levelled readers to teach reading, as opposed good wholesome books. When given the chance, I talk to trustees about the successful, wholesome educational realities that they do not see before them. It wasn’t long ago that I was invited to speak at at their annual conference. My Lois E. Hole keynote detailed the beliefs of Maria Montessori, beliefs that are consistent with those of Lois E. Hole. I was rewarded with a standing ovation. These folks truly do care.

In a world where teachers do not feel appreciated or supported, Alberta educators should stand tall and proud in their fight at providing Alberta’s youth with the very best education possible. I am among their greatest fans. I am among their greatest supporters.

It's just so Canadian

noreply@blogger.com (David Bouchard) — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 22:18:00 +0000

The ultimate tool is just so easy...and so Canadian

This thing that I speak of, the tool that I speak of is Canadian, for sure (are we Canadians not known the world over for our niceness).

This thing I speak of is definitely something we prairie kids have in spades; common sense (was Medicare not our common sense brainchild?).

And the thing I speak of is not a strategy, not something that can be taught.

It is acting as we should act. It is being kind. It is being "nice".

Most don't think of kindness as something we could and should be sharing on a monthly, weekly or even on a daily basis. But it is.

I can hardly believe it took me so long to realize the power that lay in simple acts of kindness and then to finally practice these in my everyday work; recognizing and celebrating the gifts and strengths in all people.

Whether or not our individual gifts or contributions are recognized and celebrated, they do exist.

Everyone has a gift...something that could and should be celebrated from our childhood until our death.

Whether you are a teacher, a TA, a school administrator or...think on this.

As a school principal, I decided to write a letter, every day, recognizing and celebrating the gifts of those in my sphere of influence. We recorded the names of those to whom I wrote. We also recorded the names of any who responded (and there were many), though it was not by any means my objective to receive feedback.

Everyday over the course of a year, I wrote a letter to staff members, students and parents. (In retrospect, the only thing I failed to do was to cc these letters to people who cared. I could have cc'ed letters I wrote to staff to senior office supervisors. I could have cc'ed letters I had sent to parents to their children and vice-versa)

The results were uncanny. I can't even start to tell you how often I heard something to the effect of, "I have never received this kind of recognition. And I am so grateful - and humbled."

Can you think of a better way to bring out the best in children and in adults than recognize and celebrate their gifts?

This is how we should teach our children, by focussing on each child's gift. And this is how we should treat those with whom we work and live.

And yet, as I look back on my life...as a student or as a teacher or... I can't think of many occasions where this type of feedback was afforded to me.

And yet, I know I had amazing teachers and colleagues. I guess no one told them to be nice.

A Comeback Tour

noreply@blogger.com (David Bouchard) — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 19:56:00 +0000

A Comeback Tour

For many reasons, the most obvious being pre and post COVID, I have not been speaking to students or educators or to parents as I have in past years - as I should be.

Meanwhile, I have had several books published, books that I have not addressed as I once did, as I might have.

Add to that, there are many new teachers and teaching assistants, new administrators and parents who might look at my name and imagine a surging old hockey player.

So to take a step back...

My career is that of a teacher/administrator, first on the prairie, then in British Columbia. Somewhat unintentionally, about 30 years ago, I started writing. I have never been a strong reader but I have always lavished stories. Writing has allowed me to access the world of story telling, of story tellers.

I lived through my school years struggling with disabilities and expectations that created unforgiving stress. If this reflects your experience, I hope you are fortunate enough to have Raven as your guide, as I do. I learned to adapt. I learned to offset my weaknesses with my gifts.

I was and remain creative.

That creativity has allowed me to author several books with my Grandmothers as my guides. My Grandmothers live in my DNA, as yours, dear reader, live in yours. I have authored a significant number of books on Prairie life, on Chinese cultural events, on succeeding in spite of overwhelming challenges and on animals and on Indigenous traditions and values and the list is long.

My creativity has also allowed me to question educational practices, specifically those attributed to the teaching of reading. My learnings led to my writing the Gift of Reading and For the Love of Reading.

Promoting literacy should be our collective focus from before our children are born until they leave secondary school. Teaching children to read and to love reading is the shared responsibility of every teacher, administrator and parent. My two books focus on how to turn our homes and our schools into environments rich in literature and how we can model the love of reading for our children and our students.

To complement my writing, I began speaking. I started sharing my learning with students, educators and parents. I spent 28 years speaking the world over to over a million people. Here is a link to some feedback: https://davidbouchard.com/speaking/testimonials

Today, I am speaking. I am writing. I am anxiously awaiting three new books as I travel, inspiring kids and adults as it pertains to reading, to their many unique gifts and to the importance of stories, both hearing and writing them.

Alberta Bound

noreply@blogger.com (David Bouchard) — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:01:09 +0000

Are you old enough to remember the childhood game in which we would say "You're It"? Because if you are, "you're it".

My spring touring dates are confirmed.

If you are interested in having me come to your school to speak to your students, staff and/or parents...

Calgary:

I will be in Calgary February 23rd to the 27th. The 26th and the 27th are fully booked. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are currently available.

I will be back in Calgary March 16th to the19th.

Edmonton:

I will be in Edmonton March 2nd to the 6th.

Vancouver's Lower Mainland:

And I'll be touring Vancouver's Lower Mainland from March the 9th to the 13th.

To book a presentation or if you have questions:

davidbouchard@shaw.ca - phone number 250-888-5993

Dreamcatcher - Grandmother's Web

noreply@blogger.com (David Bouchard) — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 03:00:00 +0000

Dreamcatcher: Grandmother’s Web

“Dreamcatcher, Grandmother’s Web” – Bestselling Author David Bouchard and Artist Kristy Cameron Unite for a New Book on Ojibwe Teachings and the Seven Directions

Medicine Wheel Publishing presents an online launch of David Bouchard’s (Ojibwe/Métis) new book “Dreamcatcher: Grandmother’s Web”

Did you ever wonder where the iconic dreamcatcher came from?

The dreamcatcher is a gift to the Ojibwe from Grandmother Spider, who weaves a web for each of us to hang above our beds when we sleep to catch dreams that are not as they seem.

Dreamcatcher: Grandmother’s Web teaches readers to look to the seven directions as inspiration for how to live a healthy life in harmony with the world around us.

"If you've not yet experienced a virtual launch, it's a fun and exciting event.

Our launch will be hosted by Teddy Anderson the publisher of Medicine Wheel Publishing. It will be held live on FB and Medicine Wheel Publishing's website. It will take place in my shack (showing here). Some might call my shack an office...younger people might call it a Man Cave or a She Shed...but this prairie boy call's it "my shack". Join us on Feb. 4th and check it out...

Join us live for this free event on February 4th at 10am PST via Facebook Live or right here on our website (Medicine Wheel Publishing).

All ages welcome.

How to order Dreamcatcher: Grandmother’s Web-
https://shop.medicinewheelpublishing.com/products/dreamcatcher-grandmothers-web

Another thing we know to be factual

noreply@blogger.com (David Bouchard) — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 23:42:00 +0000

Kids always live up to what they are told they are.

In Indigenous culture, some children are given a spirit name at birth. An Elder, often a family member, will bestow a name onto a child. That name, in the language of their individual nation, will speak to what that child is going to become. On other occasions, a name might be given to an older youth or to an adult. In ceremony, this person will receive a name. Some might be given two or more names through the course of their lifetimes.

Ojibway Elder Nancy Jones (showing below next to friends Brent and Kristy) gave me the name Zhiibaayanakwad. My ceremony took place15 years ago on Red Gut reserve in Northern Ontario. Any name holder can explain the name's meaning and/or speak to the ceremony through which it was given if they want to. Like our stories, this is a personal thing.

It's interesting that a child who is given the name Boy who loves Birds is almost certain to grow into a man who has an infinity for and with birds.

My name Zhiibaawanaquad means "Bird who flies in and out of clouds coming with messages from Creator". I take that to mean coming dreaming stories that come from above - from spirit world...through my collective GGrandmothers.

Parents, teachers...administrators - focus on what you tell your children they are. Think long and hard about what they might one day become. Not only in a negative way (never call a child a bully or lazy or...). But do it in a positive way.

Tell our kids how kind they are. Tell them what good readers they are. Tell them what hard workers they are. Don't lie. They see through lies. Pick out something they do on a daily basis or on something they did. Then tell them. Build on that.

Kids always live up to what they are told they are.

noreply@blogger.com (David Bouchard) — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 22:25:00 +0000

2026 - New Energies to begin a new year

What we do know

Girls mature faster than boys

We educators/parents can clearly see that boys and girls display some obvious differences in the way they learn and in the speed at which they mature. Simply watch any group of middle school students leave school at the end of the day. You will see young women gliding out of school mostly well dressed and usually well groomed. Their appearance is much as is the nature of their conversations. They will be talking about books, homework, boys, governance of their school council etc... The boys on the other hand make it clear that they care less about their physical appearance, their hair or who might or might not be looking at them. Chances are that they will be talking about sports or technology or occasionally girls or...not likely talk of a favourite book.

This has consequences on many aspects of their education none more significant than testing practices that often dictates much of their future.

We test our kids too often and too early.

A grade three girl is hypothetically asked to read a particular the work of William Shakespeare. She smiles noting that Shakespeare is one of her all time favourite writers. The same work is placed before a grade three boy. His response is more likely to be that he would prefer go outside back to the game he was playing with his friends. The result of these poorly advised reading tests will indicated that the girl is a reader and the boy is not. It might be a disability or any one of a number of other problems but you can be sure that they boy(s) now sees himself as a non or a reluctant reader.

Are men really from Mars and women from Venus? Or do we teach our children to believe that that is just the way things are.

I have learned that books that interest boys and girls (men and women) vary substantially. I have learned this through my life experience.

My wife Vicki belongs to a book club. It's something women do. We men are suppose to go to the bar and watch a game with the boys. I have little interest in reading the books she and her club reads. Likewise, they would not be interested in the books that I enjoy. That to say...

If you are a boy/man or a teacher of boys, might I suggest two or three books that worked for me:

The story of Jacob Fagin from his perspective as a clever but poor Jewish boy in19th century London; a harsh upbringing, tutelage in pickpocketing and his evolution into the leader of a gang of child thieves...themes of fate, societal antisemitism and the morality of choices...including the fraught relationship with Bill Sikes. Enter, Oliver.

Or how about this?

An atmospheric, feminist retelling of the early life of famed villainess Morgan le Fay, set against the colourful chivalric backdrop of Arthurian legend.

When King Uther Pendragon murders her father and tricks her mother into marriage, Morgan refuses to be crushed. Trapped amid the machinations of men in a world of isolated castles and gossiping courts, she discovers secret powers. Vengeful and brilliant, it's not long before Morgan becomes a worthy adversary to Merlin, influential sorcerer to the king. But fighting for her freedom, she risks losing everything – her reputation, her loved ones and her life.

As we all know, a stand alone is nice (Fagin is one) however, give me a good series that makes me think...wonder... I like to travel and this series is...worth reading.

During the test flight of a prototype faster-than-light craft, Lt. Commander Ky is flung into an ancient past that never existed. Rome has fallen, defeated by the mighty Carthaginian Empire, its survivors chased off the continent and onto what had been the remote province of Britannia. Hounded by the Carthaginians bent on conquering the known world, Rome is on the verge of destruction. Stranded and alone, except for a tactical AI implanted in his head, Ky has lost everything and must find a way to live in a world different than anything he's ever known.

For Ky to survive, he needs a new home. For the Romans to survive, they need a miracle. But can a man from the future work with people so far in his past, or is this match doomed to failure?

Enough... Be healthy and escape through a good book.

Drop Everything And Read - Holly Claus

noreply@blogger.com (David Bouchard) — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:02:00 +0000

Educators (DEAR)) Drop Everything And Read

Educators don't wait another minute. It's almost too late. Hurry, race to your school library or your community library or to your nearest bookstore. Get your hands on The Legend of Holly Claus. Fetch it in novel form for grades four and up or as a beautiful picture book for younger readers.

Hundreds of thousands, through my conference work and school visits have heard me say that Holly Claus is my favourite Christmas book ever.

Holly Claus is the Harry Potter of Christmas - a book that every family should have read...should have in their library to read and re-read at this time of the year.

If you have not experienced the magic of Brittney Ryan's New York Times best selling Holly Claus, consider this my gift to you.

Imagine a place in time where Santa would receive a letter from a boy asking what he, Santa, would like for Christmas. What if that letter contained the magic that would allow Santa and his wife Vivianna to finally have the child they have dreamed about for centuries. What would they name their child and how would the Christmas Princess deal with the curse that followed her into the land of the Immortals...the land of Forever...???

Holly Claus is a book for young and old alike. I first shared it with our daughter Victoria when she was six. My 26 year old will tell you that her childhood was highlighted by Harry Potter and Holly Claus.

When I asked if she had not outgrown these classics, she answered,

"Dad, I haven't outgrown Harry and Holly. I grew up with them."

A hero - let it be you

noreply@blogger.com (David Bouchard) — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 20:42:00 +0000

To become a reader, every child (every student) needs a hero.

A Perfect Mission Statement: Our school is a sanctuary for students, staff and parents.

A Focus/objective - Our school will make "reading" our focus this year. The collective goal of our staff and our parent support body will be to promote reading in everyone of our students.

Our plan

To adhere to the teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori (shown here)

To learn to read, Maria taught three pre-requisites.

1. Time

2. A hero

3. Books.

Heroes

Children (as do we all) need a hero to guide them along the path of becoming readers They will do as you do and not as you say.

There will be a designated time everyday where absolutely everyone within the school premises will read. Call it DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) or START (Students and Teachers All Read Together)…or what you may but that period of time is sacred. Who will read? The principal and vice-principle. The office staff. The custodial staff. All teachers and teacher assistants. Any and every visitor who chose to be in our school during that allocated time. Signs will be posted at the doors of entry stating that our school is inaccessible during this time period and that if the need is great, this is the phone number of our principal who will take your call but will prefer you call back at a later time.

Start with your own children...

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19ww9DEqoT/

A fresh look - a clear focus

noreply@blogger.com (David Bouchard) — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 19:40:00 +0000

November 27

Happy Birthday to our Granddaughter Izabell. Seven years old today and as of two weeks ago, big sister to our wee Rowan. Amid all the confusion, the ongoing wars and the struggle to make this world a kinder place, these two are my hope for the future.

My website has a lighter and happier tone. We've changed a few components that reflect my focus and my hope for all our tomorrows.

Recently, I have been posting updates on my various social media platforms. I have been reading some of my favourite books and as well as some of my own. I have described what I speak to when working with students, with parents and of course with educators.

Chris Patrick (my friend and agent) is currently booking tours that will see me in schools working with students, teachers and parents. I am also available to present on-line.

Reading and Indigenous awareness are priorities of most Canadian schools.

I present to all groups about the importance...no, about the need to read. With them, I share the why and the how. Getting our students reading isn't magic but it does require some basics and a plan of attack that I shared in my book The Gift of Reading. Students deserve to know. Teachers sometimes need reminding. And parents all too often do not know their role in this vital part of their children's education.

Then there is the matter of Indigenous studies. The TRC's recommendations are now in the hands of us all. School divisions...individual schools...administrators and teachers all understand the value and importance in doing their part. Now is the time to reach out for help and to make these priorities known.

Through my writings and my touring, I have learned much. I speak at venues of all sorts featuring my flutes, writings and learnings from what is nearing three decades.

Chris is available to talk about how I might be able to support you.

Stay healthy and keep smiling (start smiling if you aren't already).

David -

Hallowe'en has come and gone - 52 days till Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (David Bouchard) — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 00:43:00 +0000

Christmas, Hallowe'en, Diwali, Easter, Yom Kappur, Ramadan...

Many of these culture landmarks, and there are many, provide us with opportunities to better come to understand one another. They also provide educators with fodder for selecting and reading new and exciting books.

There was a time when I wouldn't have given a second thought to sharing books about any and all cultural events. We seem to be at a time however, when the word "appropriate" casts a dark shadow on such things. At great risk, I dare share a few but guaranteed winners of my favourite Christmas reads.

This amazing book of short stories by Cynthia Rylant is one of my all time and forever favourites. Six short stories, each one capable of bringing you to tears... I don't recall religion being a theme in any of the stories - poverty, loneliness, love...

I don't know how accessible this treasure is as I have had my three copies for a long time now. But it is out there and worth your tracking down now, in early November.

My daughter Victoria will tell you this is THE best Christmas book ever and I agree. No, not religion but Santa Claus, his wife and the child they have always been denied - Holly. We read the novel together several times over. We shared it with friends and neighbours and anyone walking by. It was and remains THAT good.

A few years back, Holly Claus was released as a picture book and again, WOW! If you plan on reading the novel aloud (as I did and would highly recommend), you will have to get started soon.

I can't imagine any North American not knowing of The Polar Express. Chances are that they have read the book (or had it read to them). If not, they have almost certainly seen the movie. Amazing!

That being said, I am absolutely certain that some children have yet to read or hear the book read to them. You will not want them to be denied this magical experience.

And finally, I obviously could go on at length and I am not even a librarian, let me close with one of mine. This beautiful book illustrated by the late Moses Beaver, teaches us how closely intertwined Christianity is to Indigenous belief. The Haudenosaunee will tell you that Peace Maker was born to a virgin, that he
paddled a canoe made of stone and that his greatest gift was a book known as the Great Law (not really a book but a series of stories that would later be written down as the Great Law. Our book is in both English and French as well as in Inuktitut, the Inuit language. It includes a CD of Susan Aglukark singing Canada's oldest carol, the Huron Carol.

Reading - a whole language perspective

noreply@blogger.com (David Bouchard) — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:39:00 +0000

The Gift of Reading

Feel free to quote me or to use this guide

“The single greatest gift we can give our children and/or our students is the gift of reading. There are two reasons for this: 1. No matter how poor, how underprivileged, how shy or how challenged, there is one way that every person can access anyone or anything. That is through reading. 2. Non-readers in Canadian and American schools are doomed to fail. Sadly, even children who might have it in them to become strong readers but who are slow starters are often destined to a similar fate. Our schools are not for children; they are for children who can read. And more and more, they are for children who can read at an early age. ” David Bouchard

John Dewey: “Schools should not be about handing down a collection of static truths to the next generation but about responding to the needs and interests of the students themselves.”

John Goodlad: “Almost everywhere I go, individuals endeavoring to bring about change report that teachers are paying less and less attention to the needs of individual children and more and more to the “standards” being imposed on them.”

1. Testing: We are testing our children too much and we are testing them too often. Standardized tests are too costly, both in terms of money and of time; the time it takes to write, prepare and mark these tests and the time that preparation and testing detract us from our true purpose which is and will always be: to teach.

Shelly Harwayne (2): “Not so long ago at an airport gift store, I noticed a schoolhouse music box. I couldn’t resist turning the key. It played, “School days, school days, dear old golden rule days. Reading and writing and arithmetic, taught to the tune of a hickory stick…” We may not have actual hickory sticks in our school anymore, but standardized tests are serving the same purposes. In some schools in this country, those tests continue to dictate teaching practices, and there is as much pain and punishment attached to them as to those old hickory sticks. Even in our school where we downplay the yearly plague of tests, we have children who in the not-so-merry month of May complain of stomach cramps and develop asthmatic attacks from which they do not suffer at nontesting times. The teachers who have to administer these exams to children who have only been on this planet seven, eight or nine years, wince as much as if they were witnessing a child being physically abused.”

Alfie Kohn: “All of us with children need to make it our business to understand just how much harm these tests are doing. Every time we judge a school on the basis of a standardized test score – indeed every time we permit our children to participate in these mass testing programmes – we unwittingly help to make our schools just a little worse.”

“The party and even the name of the president don’t seem to matter. Virtually all of Bill Clinton’s lengthy remarks on education in his 1997 State of the Union message could have been delivered by George Bush or even Ronald Reagan…and indeed, the speech reportedly pleased Republican governors. …He framed the task at hand not as enhancing the quality of student learning but as making sure the USA was number one in educational performance. He called for competition among public schools and for rewards and punishments to “motivate” teachers. Most of all, he said that the solution to our educational problems was more testing (Clinton, 1997).”

William Nicholson’s Wind on Fire trilogy (3): “Ignore the questions on the paper. Write about what you know best. Give them your best. …These tests are like giving tests in flying to fish. Let’s each of us do what we’re good at doing.”

2. A major concern: What if the children who are being subjected to standardized tests are not, at the age of their being tested, capable of passing them? What if Frank Smith, Alfie Kohn, and Maria Montessori are right?

Frank Smith (1): “Parents aren’t challenged by the mystery of teaching their children to walk, talk, and read faces, they just have to give them support and a nurturing environment. Reading is simply a matter of looking at print and making sense of it.”

“Why do some people have so much trouble learning to read? 1) They are confronted by reading when it is not the best time for them to learn, just as not everyone learns to play the piano, to swim, or to play chess at the same time. They may be too involved in other things, or trying to recover from some trauma. Learning to read is not necessarily a problem at any age – unless there are years of reading confusion and failure in the past.”

Marlene Barron (4): “Reading is a natural process. Children’s first babbles are a beginning stage of talking. Children’s first scribbles are the beginning of writing. It happens easily and quite naturally. Through these first scribbles children discover that writing is much, much more than just spelling, grammar or penmanship. Writing is expressing ideas and feelings as information on paper. And when they “read” their marks – their writing – back to us, they discover what reading is all about. It is making sense of print. And this sense-making process is much more than just sounding out letters in words.”

David Bouchard: “The act of reading is as natural as the acts of walking and talking. Children learn to recognize words just as they learn to identify faces and objects. There is no rushing a child to walk or to talk or to read. Under the right conditions, children will read when they are ready, and not before. No toy, no programme, or no specialist can rush the process. Children must be given the time, the setting and the care that they require in order to become readers. We are inflicting serious damage onto children by subjecting them to programmes that are meant to teach them to do something that comes naturally. We are force-feeding them before they are ready. And to our shame, we are then labeling them in a way that has life long consequences on many.”

3. The Solution:

Einstein: “Modeling isn’t one way of influencing people. It is the only way.”

Brian, a cab driver in Calgary, Alberta: “I’ve never read a book from cover to cover. I’m not a stupid man. I listen to the Canadian Broadcasting Network (CBC). I read newspapers and such. Yet when people who read books get into my cab, I always feel less than them. Whose fault is it that I don’t read?”

Einstein: "The Inspired Mind is a sacred gift, the rational mind a faithful servant. We have created a society that honours the servant and has forgotten the master"

Administrators:

Model

Seek out and purchase the books you should be reading
Set the scene: a reading corner in your office, a good reading light, etc… Re-decorate your workplace. This picture is my principal’s office taken the day I retired.
Change your timetable and INSIST that those around you discover you reading: Do Not Disturb: Director/Principal is Reading!!!
Once your fire has been lit…spread the flame to parents, educators, and students alike.

Dawn Adams: “Show me the books he loves and I shall know the man far better than through mortal friends.”

Motivate – You MUST model and more…

Book talks – led by you
Professional Days that focus on your personal love of reading
Community reading programmes
Use of technology

Manage

Protect children from everything that detracts from the love of reading and that includes the plethora of standardized tests.

Augustine Birrell: “Reading is not a duty and has consequently no business to be made disagreeable.”
James Cook: “A person who wants to lead the orchestra must be prepared to turn his/her back on the crowd.”
Einstein: “Whenever mankind has made a fatal mistake, it has never been because of a lack of intelligence but rather a lack of imagination.”

Schools need teacher librarians!

Roch Carrier: “School libraries, which have been weakened by budget cuts in recent years, are the nub of Canada’s illiteracy problem. Restore the strength they had in the 1970s and the whole country would be better off. The state of our school libraries can only be described as desperate in almost every province.”

Research in 3300 schools since 1999 shows that the positive impact of school libraries is consistent. Test results are 10-20% higher. (Lance and Loertscher, 2003). Yet, Canada is declining:

2% of Ontario elementary schools have a full-time teacher librarian compared to 42% 25 years ago.
In B.C., teacher librarian positions are written into the collective agreement however, there was over 100 teacher librarian positions cut in the year 2000 alone. Funding in B.C. has been reduced from one for every 400 students to one for every 700 or fewer.
In 1978, Alberta had 550 teacher librarians that were half time or more. In 1998, that number dropped to 252. In 2000, according to Alberta Learning, they had but 106 teacher librarians remaining. This translates to a provincial ratio of 1 teacher librarian for every 3000 students.

Children AND teachers must have access to good books – school and classroom libraries

ALL schools should have DEAR time (we are all someone’s hero) and other programmes that highlight reading

Stephen Covey: “It’s easy to say “no” when there’s a deeper “yes” burning inside.”

Teachers:

Light your personal reading fires

William Yeats: “The best of teachers do not fill buckets. They light fires.”
David Bouchard: “We cannot light fires in the hearts of our children unless we have flames burning in our own.”

Look for those who look up to you then go out and…

Light their fires – Even if we give our students the skills with which to read and we do not give them the heart, we are doing them an injustice!

* Mark Twain: “A person who can but who chooses not to read has no advantage over another who cannot read.”

Parents:

“Childhood should be a journey and not a race!”

Read

C.S. Lewis: “No book is really worth reading at the age of ten that is not equally (and often far more) worth reading at the age of fifty and beyond.”
Gail Haley: “Children who are not told stories and who are not read to will have few reasons for wanting to learn to read.”

Rule the television

Stephen Krashen (The Power of Reading): “Television is not the culprit in the literary crisis. The culprit seems to be the absence of good books.”
E.B.White: “I believe television is going to be the test of the modern world and that on this new opportunity to see beyond the range of our vision, we shall discover either a new and unbearable disturbance of the general peace or a saving radiance in the sky. We shall stand or fall by television – of that I am quite sure.”
David Bouchard: “Having a television in our home was like having a sewer pipe that carried the occasional shiny rock dumping into our living room. It wasn’t worth putting up with all the garbage just to get an occasional gem. And worse, TV made no demands on our children’s imaginations. Reading demands that the imagination be in full gear.”

Reach Into Your pockets

Cuba Gooding Jr. (Jerry Maguire): “Show me the money!”

THE ANIMAL SCHOOL:

The Administration of the School Curriculum

with References to Individual Differences

An excerpt from an address by: Dr. George H. Reavis

Assistant Superintendent Cincinnati Public School

1939-1948

Once upon a time, the animals decided they must do something heroic to meet the problems of " a new world". So they organized a school.

They adopted an activity curriculum consisting of running, climbing, swimming, and flying. To make it easier to administer the curriculum ALL the animals took ALL the subjects.

The duck was excellent in swimming, in fact better than his instructor, but he made only passing grades in flying and was very poor in running. Since he was slow in running, he had to stay after school and also drop swimming in order to practice running. This was kept up until his webfeet were badly worn and he was only average in swimming. But average was acceptable in school so nobody worried about that except the duck.

The rabbit started at the top of the class in running, but had a nervous breakdown because of so much make-up work in swimming.

The squirrel was excellent in climbing until he developed frustration in the flying class where his teacher made him start from the ground up instead of from the tree top down. He also developed a "charlie horse" from over-exertion and then got C in climbing and D in running.

The eagle was a problem child and was disciplined severely. In the climbing class he beat all the others to the top of the tree, but insisted on using his own way to get there.

At the end of the year, an abnormal eel that could swim exceedingly well, and also run, climb, and fly a little, had the highest average and was valedictorian.

The prairie dogs stayed out of school and fought the tax levy because the administration would not add digging and burrowing to the curriculum. They apprenticed their children to a badger and later joined the groundhogs and gophers to start a successful private school.

Ready to help

noreply@blogger.com (David Bouchard) — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 18:36:00 +0000

Can you use some inspiration, direction and/or support

I present to educators, parents, and to students, both in person and virtually. I have done numerous online presentations and would love to support you. Lately, most of the presentations are done from my “shack” in Victoria.

To book one or merely to ask questions, contact my agent Chris Patrick. Chris can be reached a bouchardbookings@shaw.ca or by phone at 604-202-6104

Testimonial Letter to David’s agent Chris Patrick

Dear Chris:

I wanted to make a special point of thanking you for your flexibility in offering us a teleconference with David Bouchard. The Superior-Greenstone District School Board is a small North-western Ontario School Board with ten communities spread over a geographic region approximately the size of France. We use both teleconference and videoconference for professional learning and to bridge the distance between our schools.

We are extremely excited to have a literacy teacher in each of our schools this year. Our commitment to literacy included sending teachers to our regional literacy conference this summer and organizing a special workshop for our principals and vice principals about the principal’s role in literacy. We were thrilled to be able to participate in a Keynote address by David Bouchard in Thunder Bay.

David’s passion and enthusiasm grabbed our attention immediately. He continued to draw the audience into his magical storytelling by speaking of things that were relevant to teachers, administrators and parents. He combined a mixture of humour and realism to force us to confront the fact that we could be doing a much better job of teaching students. His address was powerful and inspiring. I was amazed to see the impact David had on our principals and vice principals. Literacy has become a main priority in both the elementary and secondary panels. They are excited and they are buying books! They are celebrating literacy and supporting students who are late readers.

The benefit of David’s address carries on. We are talking and reflecting about our practices and we are committed to making things better for kids. As we were planning our literacy teacher training day, we wondered how we could get David to inspire our teachers, just like he inspired our leaders. The timelines were short, so a trip to Marathon seemed impractical….but a teleconference? Would he agree? Would he think we were crazy? You can imagine our excitement when we found out it was going to happen! Thank you just doesn’t seem like enough, we have now had the benefit of having David inspire our leaders and our teachers!!!!!

I did wonder if David would be able to convey his message through the phone line the same as he did in person. I ensured that each of the teleconference participants had a copy of his book The Gift of Reading and had some time before the teleconference to read the book and think of questions to ask.

The teleconference was magical. David’s voice pulled the listeners into his world where he challenged practice, celebrated children and shared stories. The participants leaned forward, not wanting to miss anything; the room was still and quiet, except for the rich voice coming from the phone. The listeners were engaged and the conversation became a free-flowing exchange of ideas and beliefs. I watched in amazement as a participant, moved to tears by David, explained her renewed understanding of the importance of parental involvement in the reading process. I feel so fortunate to have been involved in this process and would definitely do this again. The evaluation forms were filled with words of gratitude for David’s involvement, but beyond the forms, there was a sense of excitement and energy in the air. The teleconference set the tone for the rest of the day; often participants would quote David or remind us of one of his key messages. Most importantly, it set the tone for the role of the literacy teacher. This was an excellent way to start literacy training and I am looking forward to making arrangements for a teleconference for our secondary school literacy teachers.

Thank you again for your flexibility and commitment to children.

Sincerely,

Patti Pella

Superintendent of Education

Superior-Greenstone District School Board

How to get your school reading

noreply@blogger.com (David Bouchard) — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 00:39:00 +0000

We don't teach reading...

We don't teach walking. We don't teach talking. They happen naturally yet there are rules and timelines.

If Maria Montessori is right (I'm betting that she is) reading is as natural as walking and talking. She found that children needed three things to become readers and if these are provided, children become readers.

Three things are required:

1. Time

2. A hero - a gift giver

3. Books

From a lifetime of experience, a sure winner with kids of all ages is story - oral or written.

Surround yourself with your favourites then share them. Don't wait to be invited, push your way in and get sharing.

What? An example you say? Sure. Try this treasure with middle/high school.

Charles Dicken's classic Oliver Twist through the eyes of Fagan. Fagin the Thief: A Novel

And if you really want to be ambitious, listen to it through Audible.co. WOW!!!

For younger friends, there are countless to offer. Let me start with one of my (if not my all time favourite) favourites...

Enough for now?

Group hug

School Opening 2025

noreply@blogger.com (David Bouchard) — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 22:36:00 +0000

Mission Statement:

Our school is a sanctuary for students, staff and parents.

Our focus:

Our school is focussed on reading. Parents, staff and students are committed to reading and literacy.

Why?

· Cognitive Development:

Reading stimulates brain development, particularly in early childhood, strengthening language skills, literacy, and social-emotional development.

· Imagination and Creativity:

Books transport children to different worlds and scenarios, encouraging them to imagine possibilities and explore their creativity.

· Emotional Intelligence:

Stories help children understand emotions, develop empathy, and learn to navigate social situations.

· Academic Success:

Reading is fundamental to academic achievement across all subjects, improving vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills.

· Lifelong Learning:

Encouraging a love of reading from a young age fosters a lifelong habit of learning and exploration.

· Strengthens Relationships:

Shared reading time creates special bonding moments and strengthens the relationship between children and adults.

· Reduces Screen Time:

Reading offers a healthy alternative to excessive screen time, helping children develop focus and reduce mindlessness.

· Cultural Literacy:

Reading exposes children to diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, promoting understanding and tolerance.

I remain as committed to reading today as I did back then, before the gray hair and a couple tattoos. The biggest change in me is that I am now more experienced and over many exciting years, have gathered numerous effective strategies that I am happy to share when asked. This I will do over the course of the next few days/weeks.

Enough already, let's do this thing!

Yesterday, today and tomorrow

noreply@blogger.com (David Bouchard) — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 01:23:00 +0000

Yesterday, today and tomorrow

Another picture for what will be another conference.

This conference will be uniquely exciting: Bahrain. In a little over a year, I will share my learnings with a predominately Muslim audience from across the Gulf Region. My eyes and ears (and my heart) will be wide open to their beliefs and experiences. I hope to inspire as much I hope to be inspired. I will add to this as it approaches.

For now - COVID. I would have never thought that my life on road would survive COVID. Not only was flying and hotels a huge road block as to how I lived my working life but one on one with audiences of students, educators and parents was clearly no longer happening. Yet, here I am in 2025 having been to Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ohio...next week in Kelowna and Kamloops...and I am hearing from my agent that he has events being planned in Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto and...

All that to say that tomorrow is hard to foresee. Come to think of it, yesterday is almost as hard to recall.

Enough. Back to you soon.

Group hug

David

noreply@blogger.com (David Bouchard) — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:11:00 +0000

Reading

A unique and proven perspective

Was Maria Montessori right in her understanding about what it takes to become a reader? And if she was, what does that say about our current methods of teaching reading?

Has reading become big business worth billions of dollars – a business that has taken on a life of its own in spite of obvious shortcomings. New, exciting curriculum, new courses, programmes, tests and evaluation tools…books on reading, books guaranteed to create readers, leveled reading programmes…

Montessori’s understanding of human nature and her philosophy toward teaching of reading has not escaped the attention of numerous academics in the US however over time, these have been quieted. There was a movement that reflected Montessori’s philosophy; whole language. It had a world wide following. I had the honour of being the Master of Ceremonies at a Whole Language Conference in Winnipeg Manitoba a few years ago. Thousands from the world over attended to hear our keynote speaker, Bill Martin Jr. Manitoba was the heart of the common sense approach to reading a philosophy that also flourished in the Northern US.

The movement however was short lived. Money speaks today. Money spoke then. Things reverted to where they had been. Get to children early (the earlier the better). Seek out a curriculum that is guaranteed succeed. Test them. Test them early and test them often. Use the results to build on. Reading is a science. Anyone can be taught to read given the right curriculum and the appropriate tools.

But what if Maria was right?

Maria Montessori believed that reading was a humanity and not a science - it was as natural a process as walking and talking. She taught that it took three things to become a reader:

Time - a child will walk when they are ready - not when you tell them to.

A hero - they need someone to give them the gift of reading - a hero

Books - To read, books are necessary...books that included readers and books that are accessible to these readers.

For the basics about Whole Language and Montessori's philosophy on reading, seek out and read Marlene Barron's "I Learn to Read and Write the Way I Learn to Talk". Barron served as President of the Board of the American Montessori Society. She was on the faculty of New York University. As a principal, I bought a copy of this small treasure for each of our school's employees as well as for our parent school council.

I might be wrong in this but I don't think I am. I have spent years using Montessori's philosophy. It is tried and proven.

April - time to write

noreply@blogger.com (David Bouchard) — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:32:00 +0000

Home to write..

I'm back on the road, in person...and it feels good. I have done school visitations and conference work for over 26 years now and I like it.

I'm home from a week in Kelowna and Kamloops where I spoke with students and teachers. I shared stories and I spoke of residential schools, the need to recognize and embrace our unique gifts and as I always do, I spoke about mental health.

I spoke with grade 11 and 12 students at Rutland Senior Secondary. The Indigenous program students gifted me a bundle from their own garden, tea, tobacco and a herb based salve. In Kamloops, I was able to present in French which is always a treat for me as I don't get to use my language as often as I did since the death of my Father,

Getting home (Kamloops to Victoria) took ten hours. Crazy, I know. I arrived home after midnight and woke early to do a keynote presentation on Zoom to teachers in Sooke. And that was a real pleasure. I am always happy to present on-line even though that can be a little challenging. (I have new respect for Cory Booker who spoke to the house for 25 hours). Speaking into a camera with no visible audience is...challenging.

And now, my books-

I have a couple books "out there". These are written, illustrated and well....out there. I trust my publishers but they can sometimes use a wee poke as a reminder that time passes.

The Talking Stick is a book I have been talking about for some time now...and it IS coming - any day now.

Dreamcatcher, the sequel to We Learn from the Sun, with Kristy Cameron and also published by Medicine Wheel Education is also done and "out there".

And I have new dreams/projects.

1.I have long been troubled by the status of rez dogs whose existence is not their fault yet who are often shot simply because they were born with no one who wanted them - with no one who cared. They are killed as part of a mass killing known as a cull. I have witnessed a cull first hand and have to believe that there is a better way. These poor dogs have no voice but that of people like me and Donna the Strange with whom I am working to matter for them.

2. I remained committed to supporting the seal hunt and the people of Canada's north. Canadians have to become educated as to the state of affairs in our North. My part in this will be a book that outlines some of my learnings after having spent significant time there, among them.

Home from my Prairie

noreply@blogger.com (David Bouchard) — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 22:18:00 +0000

Home from my Prairie

What a wonderful week!

The highlight of my tour home was being able to share my learnings with thousands of students and teachers.

I am in a position and of the age where I can be open and honest. For our world to become what it should be, our youth will have to be given the tools they need to make it so.

1. Residential schools were right there - all around me when I was a boy. Had the adults in my world had the foresight and the courage to tell me the truth about what was going on, I would have had a chance to make a difference.

Not a word about residential schools. Was it that no one knew about the hurt and abuse that was taking place in those schools? I think not. I don't believe that my parents and my teachers were anywhere near as aware as we are today, but many knew and they remained silent.

The Truth and Reconciliation Recommendations are clear in telling us that we MUST tell our children what happened. Are we? Before teachers tell the truth, they must feel that they are supported - they must trust the system they work within. This is where we are struggling. I hope that our board and administrators are leading in this effort.

2. Canada's Chinese Canadian youth deserve to know the truth of how Canadians treated the Chinese after inviting them to Canada to work on our new railroad. Chinese youth deserve to know as does every other student. Why do our students not know that Chinese workers had to pay their voyage even after we invited them, needing their
help...that they were paid half what a white worker was paid...that they had tarps for shelter while their white counterparts were housed in shacks that provided much better protection from the elements and also that they would be responsible for all the hard and dangerous work. Should they not be informed that one Chinese worker died for every mile of railroad laid between Calgary and Vancouver?

3. Canada's North - The lives of thousands of Northern Canadians would be so much fuller and much more gentle if our youth learned the truth about how these Northerners live and why. The seal hunt was decimated by people who knew nothing about the Inuit, the Innu or the Gwich'in. A movement was started to ban the seal hunt, the traditional way of life of these proud Canadians. Brigitte Bardot started a movement. a movement that ended with the banning of seal fur. She/they spoke of small white calves being cruelly bludgeoned to death on the open ice. They had pictures of men with clubs slaughtering these small white animals. This is NOT how seals were hunted. Yet, we Canadians did not stand up for our Northern family. We let them down then and continue to do so today. I have seen them hunt. They love and respect the seal. They share the last breath of the seal as it dies. If Canadian youth were taught the truth of the hunt and of life in the North, they could make Canada a better Canada.

4. Our schools - We continue, and fueled by social media, to have our youth believe that success is defined by the clothes they wear, the cars they drive and the size of the houses they live in. Study hard. Master the curriculum and the academic world, and you are well on your way to success. We must tell students that they are being misled...that the key to success is not building their lives around ego or money but rather around the gifts that each has within. That is hard to do when our schools focus solely on the curriculum and not on the individuals under our care.