Workshop One MDI

Goals for this workshop… Increase our understanding of the Middle Years Development Instrument (MDI), middle childhood and the skills and assets that support well-being. Explore MDI data through a series of inquiry activities and small group discussion Identify ways we are currently contributing to children’s well- being and discover new ideas.

MDI Core Ideas & Connections Agenda MDI Core Ideas & Connections Exploring the Data Wisdom Circle Action Approaches Opportunities MDI

Hopes… That we see ourselves (and others) as having the potential to make a positive difference in children’s lives Our conversations and actions are research-based and evidence-informed We capitalize on our collective expertise and wisdom to help make better, deeper sense of child-reported evidence

MDI dimensions Which well-being dimension measured by the MDI are you most curious about or connected to?

What does the MDI measure? Social & Emotional Development Use of After-School Time Children respond to questions about their current social and emotional functioning in 7 areas: optimism, self-esteem, happiness, empathy, prosocial behaviour, sadness and worries Children are asked about the time they spend engaged in organized activities such as sports, music and art, as well as the time they spend watching TV, doing homework and playing video games Physical Health & Well-Being School Experiences Children evaluate their own physical well-being in the areas of overall health including body image, nutrition and sleeping habits Children are asked about their school experiences in 4 areas: academic self-concept, school climate, school belonging, and experiences with bullying Connectedness Children are asked about their experiences of support and connection with the adults in their schools and neighbourhoods with their parents or guardians at home, and with their peers

MDI core ideas & connections Rotate around all the data stations. Use your MDI Journal to review each of the 5 dimensions. Choose just one dimension that is the most intriguing to you. ​Mingle! Introduce yourself, share your one dimension of choice and hear about others. Move on and talk to at least 3 or 4 other people.

Exploring the data Gather around the one dimension (data station) you most want to explore Work together to complete the “Exploring the Data” worksheet After completing the worksheet, agree on and capture 1 or 2 strengths that emerged 1 or 2 challenges or stretches 1 or 2 curiosities – your questions and things you are wondering about

Wisdom circle guidelines Practice active listening Bring curiosity and an open mind Appreciate differences among people & experiences Learn from each other No right or wrong answers No leader in a circle – it is a shared experience Take notes if it is helpful Jump in! Contribute!

Action Approaches Skills & Habits Improving social and emotional “fitness” Skills and habits are malleable. Research shows that programs and practices that target social-emotional and relationship-building skills demonstrate positive, long-term outcomes for children.

Action Approaches Assets As the number of assets increase, children are more likely to report higher well-being. Assets are actionable. How? build relationships enriching after-school activities cultivate environments that make every child feel like they belong.

Opening the door for opportunities Something you are already doing to foster well-being. An idea you are interested in exploring further.