Julie Diamond Julie Diamond

How Can I Prepare for Parent-Teacher Interviews?

Parent‑teacher interviews are a powerful opportunity to connect home and school. In this guide, Julie Diamond walks you through how to begin the conversation at home, craft a short agenda, bring thoughtful questions, share your child’s story, focus on solutions and goals, follow up after the meeting, maintain a collaborative mindset, and think ahead to next‑year transitions. Get ready to walk into the meeting feeling empowered and walk out with a plan for growth.

Read More
Julie Diamond Julie Diamond

What are Some Creative Ways to Check Your Child’s Reading Comprehension at Home?

Reading comprehension is about understanding, interpreting, and connecting with a story, not just decoding words. While the traditional question-and-answer routine has its place, children often respond more deeply when given hands-on, creative opportunities to show what they know. At Diamond Teachers Group, we’ve compiled some ideas that incorporate art, music, movement and storytelling to give children fresh and meaningful ways to demonstrate comprehension and keep reading exciting.

Read More
Julie Diamond Julie Diamond

How Can I Support My Child With Alberta’s Larger Class Sizes and Reduced Supports?

With Alberta teachers legislated back to work, many parents are worried about large class sizes and reduced special education supports. Ontario educator Julie Diamond shares practical tips to help families support their child’s learning, confidence, and emotional well-being at home from keeping routines consistent to reinforcing foundational skills and partnering with teachers.

Read More
Julie Diamond Julie Diamond

How Do I Turn Blue Jays and Dodgers Games Into Fun Learning at Home?

Turn Blue Jays World Series excitement into hands-on learning at home! Discover fun math, literacy, and creative activities for kids, from calculating batting averages to creating baseball cards, storytelling, and dancing to the “OK Blue Jays” song. Perfect for children of all ages.

Read More
Julie Diamond Julie Diamond

How Can I Help My Child Build Their Confidence?

When a child says, “I’m stupid,” it can be heartbreaking. But affirmations alone aren’t enough to counter negative self-talk. In this blog, we explore actionable strategies to help your child build confidence, including creating a supportive environment, emphasizing effort over perfection, and providing tools to foster self-belief. These approaches empower children to challenge their inner critic and develop a positive mindset toward learning.

Read More
Julie Diamond Julie Diamond

How Can I Talk to My Child About the Teacher Strike Without Causing Stress?

With 51,000 teachers across Alberta beginning their historic strike, many children may feel confused or anxious, especially if they experienced instability during COVID-related school closures. This blog offers practical, compassionate strategies for parents to help their children understand the situation, manage their emotions, and maintain a sense of stability at home. From simple, age-appropriate explanations to maintaining routines and addressing learning gaps without pressure, these tips aim to support families during this uncertain time.

Read More
Julie Diamond Julie Diamond

How Can I Help My Teen Succeed in Grade 9? Tips for a Confident Start

Starting high school can feel overwhelming but with the right guidance, Grade 9 can also be a period of growth and confidence. In this post, we share seven practical tips to support your teen through this important transition. From establishing daily routines and honing study skills, to building social confidence and nurturing self-advocacy, these strategies help your teen navigate academics and friendships with ease. Discover how to guide your teen toward a successful and confident high school start.

Read More
Julie Diamond Julie Diamond

How Do I Rebuild School-Year Routines Around Sleep, Screen Time, and Homework?

As summer winds down, it’s time to reset sleep schedules, rein in screen time, and reestablish homework habits without meltdowns. In this post, Julie Diamond, OCT, guides your family through easy, realistic steps to transition your child into back-to-school routines with confidence and calm. Discover how to gradually shift bedtimes, co-create screen agreements, set up a distraction-free homework zone, and reinforce consistency with compassion while building structure that supports learning and emotional well-being.

Read More
Julie Diamond Julie Diamond

How Can I Tell If My Child Is Ready for the Next Grade? Simple At-Home Literacy and Math Activities for Grades 1, 4, 7, and 9 (Ontario Curriculum)

Wondering if your child is ready for the next school year? This blog offers easy, low-pressure literacy and math activities based on the Ontario curriculum for Grades 1, 4, 7, and 9 which are key transition years where academic expectations take a leap. Plus, find tips on what to look for, how to support your child’s learning at home, and what to do if they’re struggling. Every child develops at their own pace, and we’re here to help you support their journey with confidence.

Read More
Julie Diamond Julie Diamond

What Can I Do If My Child Has Anxiety About Going Into a New Grade?

Is your child feeling nervous about entering a new grade? You’re not alone and there are ways to help. This blog shares practical, affirming strategies to support children with back-to-school anxiety, build their confidence, and create a calm transition. Learn how to listen, validate, and empower your learner every step of the way.

Read More
Julie Diamond Julie Diamond

How Can Executive Functioning Skills Be Strengthened Over the Summer?

Summer is the perfect time to build your child’s executive functioning skills in a low-pressure, fun environment. Discover simple, everyday activities that boost planning, organization, time management, and emotional regulation helping your child grow into a confident, independent learner ready for the next school year.

Read More
Julie Diamond Julie Diamond

What Are Some Ways to Combine Learning and Physical Activity This Summer?

Worried about summer learning loss? It doesn’t have to mean worksheets or screens. Keep your child’s mind sharp and body active with outdoor learning adventures like park math trails, nature art runs, and history hikes. These engaging activities help your child stay connected, curious, and ready to shine bright all summer long.

Read More