1. Workshop One
MDI

2. 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.

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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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!

10. 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.

11. 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.

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