Ringing in the School Year: Exploring La Campana and School-Related CANS Items
As the school year begins, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how we can best support children and youth in their academic journeys. In this installment of the Lotería and the CANS series, we’ll explore La Campana (The Bell) and its connection to the school-related items in the CANS. Just as the bell signals the start to the school day, it also represents opportunities for growth, connection, learning, and perhaps even triggers–both for students and for those working alongside them. The CANS includes several school-related items, such as school behavior, achievement, and attendance. These areas are critical to shaping a child’s overall well-being, and La Campana offers a creative way to explore them during assessments.
Applying the Concept in Practice
When assessing school-related needs, La Campana can serve as a visual reminder to listen for the unique “ring” of each child’s experience. For example:
Some questions clinicians can ask clients and families to better understand these experiences are:
The responses to these questions can then lead to collaborative conversations around CANS needs ratings. By focusing on both strengths and challenges from their responses and ratings, we can help children and families navigate the complexities of the school environment with greater resilience and success.
Using La Campana (The Bell) as a Supervision Tool
La Campana (The Bell) can evoke many interpretations–some positive, such as excitement for learning, and some more challenging, like the stress of high expectations or other triggers. The CANS is an amazing tool that can be brought into supervision to further deepen discussions. La Campana can be used as a metaphor to spark reflection on how school environments impact a child’s strengths and needs. Consider posing the following questions to a supervisee:
These prompts can lead to rich discussions about school-related CANS items and how we approach them in a collaborative, strengths-based way.
Looking Ahead
As the school year progresses, La Campana reminds us to celebrate even the small victories: a child’s improved attendance, a parent-teacher partnership, or a student feeling more confident in their abilities. These moments resonate far beyond the classroom, creating a ripple effect of growth and empowerment. We would love to hear your experiences and/or questions about using Lotería cards during your CANS assessments and using them in schools. Feel free to contact us here:
In future posts, we’ll continue to explore Lotería cards and their connections to CANS, weaving cultural creativity into meaningful conversations about strengths, needs, and collaboration. Until then, let’s keep listening for the bells that signal progress in our work with children, youth, and families.
Here’s to a school year filled with opportunity, resilience, and connection–one ring at a time!!
As the school year begins, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how we can best support children and youth in their academic journeys. In this installment of the Lotería and the CANS series, we’ll explore La Campana (The Bell) and its connection to the school-related items in the CANS. Just as the bell signals the start to the school day, it also represents opportunities for growth, connection, learning, and perhaps even triggers–both for students and for those working alongside them. The CANS includes several school-related items, such as school behavior, achievement, and attendance. These areas are critical to shaping a child’s overall well-being, and La Campana offers a creative way to explore them during assessments.
Applying the Concept in Practice
When assessing school-related needs, La Campana can serve as a visual reminder to listen for the unique “ring” of each child’s experience. For example:
- A student struggling academically may still have strong relationships with peers that serve as a foundation for engagement.
- A child with frequent absences might benefit from identifying what “rings true” for them about school–whether it’s a specific teacher, activity, or subject–and finding a way to amplify that connection.
- A family experiencing conflict may need guidance in communicating with school staff, fostering stronger collaboration between home and school.
Some questions clinicians can ask clients and families to better understand these experiences are:
- What comes up for you when you think about a typical day at school?
- What are the things about school that you like? Dislike?
- What are the things about school that you do well?
- Where do you need more support in school? What would make your school experience easier?
- What comes up for you when you think about a school bell ringing? School year starting? Ending?
The responses to these questions can then lead to collaborative conversations around CANS needs ratings. By focusing on both strengths and challenges from their responses and ratings, we can help children and families navigate the complexities of the school environment with greater resilience and success.
Using La Campana (The Bell) as a Supervision Tool
La Campana (The Bell) can evoke many interpretations–some positive, such as excitement for learning, and some more challenging, like the stress of high expectations or other triggers. The CANS is an amazing tool that can be brought into supervision to further deepen discussions. La Campana can be used as a metaphor to spark reflection on how school environments impact a child’s strengths and needs. Consider posing the following questions to a supervisee:
- What does the sound of a bell symbolize for your client? Anticipation? Stress? Celebration? What have they shared about their school experience?
- Does your client experience school as a place of growth? Or as a place of struggle?
- What role can caregivers, teachers, and providers play in “tuning” the bell to make school a supportive and empowering space?
These prompts can lead to rich discussions about school-related CANS items and how we approach them in a collaborative, strengths-based way.
Looking Ahead
As the school year progresses, La Campana reminds us to celebrate even the small victories: a child’s improved attendance, a parent-teacher partnership, or a student feeling more confident in their abilities. These moments resonate far beyond the classroom, creating a ripple effect of growth and empowerment. We would love to hear your experiences and/or questions about using Lotería cards during your CANS assessments and using them in schools. Feel free to contact us here:
In future posts, we’ll continue to explore Lotería cards and their connections to CANS, weaving cultural creativity into meaningful conversations about strengths, needs, and collaboration. Until then, let’s keep listening for the bells that signal progress in our work with children, youth, and families.
Here’s to a school year filled with opportunity, resilience, and connection–one ring at a time!!
Shining A Light On Strengths: El Sol and Summertime Reflection on CANS
As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, summer invites us to pause, reflect and recharge. In our previous post on Lotería and the CANS series we focused on how El Árbol (The Tree) was used as a tool to discuss family strengths. In this installment, we’ll explore El Sol (The Sun) and how it can inspire us to approach strengths in the CANS. Just as the sun provides light and energy, strengths are the bright spots that illuminate a child’s potential and guide our collaborative work with families.
Applying the Concept in Practice
Some questions clinicians can ask their clients and their families are:
By helping families see their strengths as a source of light and growth, we empower them to build on those strengths and move toward meaningful change. When working with children and families, El Sol reminds us to seek out and amplify the positive elements in their lives.
For example:
Part of our work is to help families see their own strengths and make those connections as seen in the examples. Questions like, “Walk me through what a typical day looks like for you” and “What are the things that help you cope during stressful times” are open-ended questions that help us see the bigger picture from a client’s perspective. We might not hear how a family has a strong cultural identity or how a client has empathy towards others with simple yes or no questions. Using the Lotería cards and the open questions can really help us get a better understanding of a client’s perspective on their strengths and needs. It is in those moments where the strength-based language and collaboration can really shine. As providers we can say, “It sounds like your culture and family are really important coping mechanisms during stressful times.” That invites our clients to add more information or clarify. Either way, it is a win win for us.
Using El Sol (The Sun) as a Supervision Tool
The CANS is also a tool that can be brought into supervision to not only further deepen a clinician’s understanding of CANS items/domains but overall their implementation of the CANS. El Sol (The Sun) is a powerful symbol of warmth, hope, and growth–qualities that align beautifully with the strengths-based philosophy of the CANS.
In a CANS assessment session, El Sol can be used as a metaphor to spark reflection on how we, as providers, identify and build upon the strengths of children, youth, and families. The same can be true in supervision.
Consider these prompts with a supervisee:
These questions encourage individuals to think creatively and collaboratively about the importance of centering strengths in assessment and planning. Additionally, it helps all the items in the CANS align. When a supervisor hears a provider describe crucial support from a "neighbor" or "community member," but the Natural Supports rating is a "3" (no evidence of a strength), it's an opportunity to discuss that difference further.
Looking Ahead
As we soak up the summer sun, let’s commit to shining a light on the strengths of the children, youth, and families we work with. Whether it’s celebrating small victories or uncovering hidden resilience, we have the privilege of being part of their journey toward growth and healing.
We’ll continue to explore Lotería cards and their connections to CANS, blending cultural creativity with practical tools. Until then, let’s embrace the warmth and energy of El Sol as a guiding force in our work this summer.
Here’s to brighter days and a renewed focus on strengths that help children and families thrive.
As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, summer invites us to pause, reflect and recharge. In our previous post on Lotería and the CANS series we focused on how El Árbol (The Tree) was used as a tool to discuss family strengths. In this installment, we’ll explore El Sol (The Sun) and how it can inspire us to approach strengths in the CANS. Just as the sun provides light and energy, strengths are the bright spots that illuminate a child’s potential and guide our collaborative work with families.
Applying the Concept in Practice
Some questions clinicians can ask their clients and their families are:
- Walk me through what a typical day in your life looks like.
- What are the things that help you cope during stressful times?
- Who are the people that are most important/influential in your life?
- What are the things that you need to get through the day?
- What are the things that you look forward to each and every morning?
By helping families see their strengths as a source of light and growth, we empower them to build on those strengths and move toward meaningful change. When working with children and families, El Sol reminds us to seek out and amplify the positive elements in their lives.
For example:
- A child struggling with anxiety may still display kindness and empathy toward others–a strength that can serve as a foundation for coping strategies.
- A family experiencing financial stress might have a strong cultural identity or shared traditions that provide resilience and connection.
- A teen navigating difficult relationships might show incredible perseverance and commitment to personal goals, even when faced with obstacles.
Part of our work is to help families see their own strengths and make those connections as seen in the examples. Questions like, “Walk me through what a typical day looks like for you” and “What are the things that help you cope during stressful times” are open-ended questions that help us see the bigger picture from a client’s perspective. We might not hear how a family has a strong cultural identity or how a client has empathy towards others with simple yes or no questions. Using the Lotería cards and the open questions can really help us get a better understanding of a client’s perspective on their strengths and needs. It is in those moments where the strength-based language and collaboration can really shine. As providers we can say, “It sounds like your culture and family are really important coping mechanisms during stressful times.” That invites our clients to add more information or clarify. Either way, it is a win win for us.
Using El Sol (The Sun) as a Supervision Tool
The CANS is also a tool that can be brought into supervision to not only further deepen a clinician’s understanding of CANS items/domains but overall their implementation of the CANS. El Sol (The Sun) is a powerful symbol of warmth, hope, and growth–qualities that align beautifully with the strengths-based philosophy of the CANS.
In a CANS assessment session, El Sol can be used as a metaphor to spark reflection on how we, as providers, identify and build upon the strengths of children, youth, and families. The same can be true in supervision.
Consider these prompts with a supervisee:
- What are the areas where you see your client “shine?” How does this inform your CANS ratings for the Strengths domain?
- Does your client know the areas in which they “shine?”
- What role do supportive adults/family members/teachers play in helping strengths “shine” for our clients? What supportive adults would you say see how or what areas your client shines?
- What helps them cope?
- What is a typical day like for this client? Where do you see this reflected in their CANS?
These questions encourage individuals to think creatively and collaboratively about the importance of centering strengths in assessment and planning. Additionally, it helps all the items in the CANS align. When a supervisor hears a provider describe crucial support from a "neighbor" or "community member," but the Natural Supports rating is a "3" (no evidence of a strength), it's an opportunity to discuss that difference further.
Looking Ahead
As we soak up the summer sun, let’s commit to shining a light on the strengths of the children, youth, and families we work with. Whether it’s celebrating small victories or uncovering hidden resilience, we have the privilege of being part of their journey toward growth and healing.
We’ll continue to explore Lotería cards and their connections to CANS, blending cultural creativity with practical tools. Until then, let’s embrace the warmth and energy of El Sol as a guiding force in our work this summer.
Here’s to brighter days and a renewed focus on strengths that help children and families thrive.
Integrating Lotería and the CANS: A Creative Approach to Understanding Strengths and Needs
As we step into spring, a season of growth and renewal, we are excited to introduce a new series for the Alameda TCOM Collaborative that combines cultural creativity with practical tools: Lotería and the CANS. Through this series, we’ll explore how Lotería, the beloved Mexican game of chance, can serve as a metaphorical and visual framework to deepen our understanding of CANS items and enhance our practice.
Lotería, Spanish for "lottery" and often compared to bingo, features a deck of beautifully illustrated cards, each symbolizing unique objects, people, or themes. These cards tell a story, inviting reflection and connection. In this series, we’ll use Lotería cards as jumping-off points to explore specific CANS items or domains, focusing on strengths, needs, and the ways we can support children, youth, and families.
For this first post, we chose El Árbol (The Tree) to represent family strengths, an essential item in the CANS. Just as a tree thrives with strong roots, families often serve as the foundation for growth and resilience. The CANS assessment invites us to look at family strengths through a strength-based lens, highlighting areas of connection, support, and nurturing.
Using El Árbol (The Tree) as a Tool
El Árbol (The Tree) provides a vivid and versatiles metaphor for discussing family strengths in collaborative meetings. Imagine starting a session by sharing an image of the card and asking:
These questions can spark rich dialogue, connecting the visual symbolism of El Árbol (The Tree) with the practical application of identifying and building on family strengths during the CANS assessment process.
Applying the Concept in Practice
In a CANS session, El Árbol (The Tree) can also help individuals shift their focus toward identifying hidden strengths within families. For example, a family may appear to be struggling with communication, but deeper observation may reveal “roots” of resilience – strong traditions, cultural values, or a shared desire to improve relationships. Acknowledging these strengths allows us to cultivate them further, much like nurturing a tree.
Looking Ahead
The series will explore more Lotería cards and their connection to CANS items. Whether it’s La Campana (The Bell) and its connection to school-related items or El Sol (The Sun) and its focus on individual strengths, these posts will provide creative ways to approach the CANS while honoring the cultural richness of Lotería.
Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll continue to blend culture, creativity, and practical application. In the meantime, consider how you might use Lotería or other culturally meaningful frameworks in your work with families. We would love to hear from you about your experiences and other games that can be beneficial to include in our work with the CANS.
Let’s grow together this spring – one card and one strength at a time!
As we step into spring, a season of growth and renewal, we are excited to introduce a new series for the Alameda TCOM Collaborative that combines cultural creativity with practical tools: Lotería and the CANS. Through this series, we’ll explore how Lotería, the beloved Mexican game of chance, can serve as a metaphorical and visual framework to deepen our understanding of CANS items and enhance our practice.
Lotería, Spanish for "lottery" and often compared to bingo, features a deck of beautifully illustrated cards, each symbolizing unique objects, people, or themes. These cards tell a story, inviting reflection and connection. In this series, we’ll use Lotería cards as jumping-off points to explore specific CANS items or domains, focusing on strengths, needs, and the ways we can support children, youth, and families.
For this first post, we chose El Árbol (The Tree) to represent family strengths, an essential item in the CANS. Just as a tree thrives with strong roots, families often serve as the foundation for growth and resilience. The CANS assessment invites us to look at family strengths through a strength-based lens, highlighting areas of connection, support, and nurturing.
Using El Árbol (The Tree) as a Tool
El Árbol (The Tree) provides a vivid and versatiles metaphor for discussing family strengths in collaborative meetings. Imagine starting a session by sharing an image of the card and asking:
- Who are the people in your life that make up your family?
- Who do family members consider to be a support?
- What are the relationships between family members?
- What helps your family grow and remain healthy?
These questions can spark rich dialogue, connecting the visual symbolism of El Árbol (The Tree) with the practical application of identifying and building on family strengths during the CANS assessment process.
Applying the Concept in Practice
In a CANS session, El Árbol (The Tree) can also help individuals shift their focus toward identifying hidden strengths within families. For example, a family may appear to be struggling with communication, but deeper observation may reveal “roots” of resilience – strong traditions, cultural values, or a shared desire to improve relationships. Acknowledging these strengths allows us to cultivate them further, much like nurturing a tree.
Looking Ahead
The series will explore more Lotería cards and their connection to CANS items. Whether it’s La Campana (The Bell) and its connection to school-related items or El Sol (The Sun) and its focus on individual strengths, these posts will provide creative ways to approach the CANS while honoring the cultural richness of Lotería.
Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll continue to blend culture, creativity, and practical application. In the meantime, consider how you might use Lotería or other culturally meaningful frameworks in your work with families. We would love to hear from you about your experiences and other games that can be beneficial to include in our work with the CANS.
Let’s grow together this spring – one card and one strength at a time!
Cristal Alvarado, East Bay Agency for Children
