Dynamic Shelving in the Learning Commons

Have you noticed that the books look a little different on the shelves in the Learning Commons these days? We are trying something new called Dynamic Shelving! 

No more boring shelves with the books just standing side by side in a row. Lol. 

Our books are still arranged alphabetically by author's last name on the shelves but they may be stacked, or in baskets, or standing face out. So go ahead and judge that book by its cover! Students tell me they like it better as it is eye-catching and interesting! I love it too! Let me know what you think. 

Come visit the Learning Commons and have a peek at the General Fiction section right inside the door! Do you see the difference? We are making our way around the entire fiction collection. You may see some changes in non-fiction as well!

Exciting times in the Learning Commons!

April is Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism Awareness Month!

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication and behaviour in different ways. Autism is different from person to person. 

Did you know that one in 66 children has autism? Each child with autism is unique and has their own strengths, gifts, and support needs.

You probably know some kids who have autism!

Kids Help Phone has more information here 👇

Want to learn more? Check out some other resources here 👇

Come on up to the Learning Commons and borrow a book from our Autism Awareness Month display! 

April is Poetry Month

Roses are red and violets are blue

Poetry's great for me and for you!

Okay . . . that one is kinda lame . . . 🙄

How about this one?

Roses are red and violets are blue

Return or renew

Cuz your book's overdue!

Better? 😆

Check out some fun poetry activities here 👇

Come on up to the Learning Commons and borrow a book by a better poet than me!

Happy Reading! 📚

March 31st is Trans Day of Visibility!

What is Gender Identity?

Gender Identity is an internal feeling or awareness we all have about being a man, woman, neither or both. There are many different gender identities. Cis and trans are not gender identities. They are a description of the relationship between one's gender identity and the gender one was assigned at birth. Do you know what these terms mean?

• Agender
• Gender fluid
• Genderqueer
• Non-binary
• Two-Sprirt (2 spirit, 2S)
• Woman
• Man

Look here to see if you are correct!

Pronouns Matter!

Pronouns are the words that replace people's names. Each person may like to be addressed with pronouns (ex. they, he, she, etc.) that reflect their gender identity. If you are unsure of a person's pronouns, it is okay to ask them what they prefer.

Look here for more information.

What is Gender Expression?

Everyone has a gender expression. This is how they outwardly express their gender to the world. It may mean expressing yourself as feminine, masculine, both, neither, or something else. A person's name, pronouns, titles, etc. are also parts of gender expression.

Look here for more information.

Do We Have Books with Trans Characters or About Trans People in the Learning Commons?

We sure do! We have books to reflect and represent all members of our community. Come on up to the Learning Commons and check out a book from our display!

Most content taken from Kids Help Phone. See here for more information.

#TDOV

CBC Curio Education Resources

Did you know that CBC has Education Resources on Curio by CBC?

Education professionals can use Curio to readily find and explore CBC/Radio-Canada content that has been carefully selected for its educational value and is available in teaching-friendly formats.

Relevant and inspiring content for everyone!

Curio offers

• More than 10,000 resources
• Content in both English and French
• Documentaries, TV/radio shows, podcasts, archival clips, and more
• Material for every academic level from elementary to university
• Material for every subject
• Teacher guides
• The Curio Info and News in Review current events channel
• Channels from the BBC and National Geographic
• New resources every week

Learn more about Curio content here

An intuitive custumizable platform!

Curio also features:

• Suggestions that match your profile
• A highly effective search tool
• Playlist creation
• Content sharing

Learn more about functionalities here

Log in using your educbe email. Curio recognises CBE as an organisation.

Have fun exploring all that Curio has to support your teaching!

Digital Literacy Resources

Looking for resources to teach your students about Digital Literacy? 

This is a screenshot of a live Google Slide. I will continue to add resources as I find them. Please check back periodically by clicking the link or on the image below for updates.

Check here 👉 https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/10fCscDrWdcQsUG4yvaYnTeHm-Hbceb5Ji53IK5Peqg0/edit?usp=sharing

Or here 👇

Invasion of Ukraine Resources

The constant flow of images, soundbites, and articles can be a source of anxiety and fear for both our littles and our bigs. I have included information for you and resources to share with your students, depending on grade level. Please look before you share.

This is a screenshot of a live Google Slide so I will keep updating it as I find new resources. Please check back periodically by clicking the link or image below to see if anything has been added.

Check here 👉 https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/18cPC81CjgHG8SWZzo5n0W8EEOhQfFin32o7euoBGVJU/edit?usp=sharing 

Or here 👇

Calgary Public Library Online Resources

March Break is next week! Check out these fabulous Calgary Public Library digital resources! They are accessible anywhere at any time!

Some resources are accessed using your school email ID and others require a Calgary Public Library card number. Don't have a library card? Register for one here 👉 https://events.calgarylibrary.ca/ 

Log in with your school Google account to view this resource 👇

To access even more online resources look here 👉 https://calgarylibrary.ca/read-learn-and-explore/digital-library/

Have a great March Break! 

Happy reading!

March 14th is Pi Day!

Pi Day happens once a year on March 14th. This date is significant to math nerds everywhere as it is Albert Einstein's birthday and the first three digits of  π  ! 3.14 . . . This number represents the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. It is an irrational number . . . meaning it cannot be written as a simple fraction so it goes on and on forever. 

Check out these Pi Day resources to celebrate at school or at home!

👉 https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/11UsmTyQ1XA9eJ4jSfNatq6k5EhRw16DiYnvbzpvNp1k/edit?usp=sharing 

International Women's Day

We celebrate International Women's Day this week! 

Come on up to the Learning Commons and check out a book from our display!

Want to learn more? Check out my collection of International Women's Day resources!

👉 https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1y-hj1I6BVi1eK_GZzwFLi4p20ih_XaP8TzULpMgkn0Y/edit?usp=sharing 

#BreakTheBias

New Books in the Learning Commons

Come on up to the Learning Commons and check out a new book!

Lots to choose from! Something for everyone!

We've got Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Romance, Historical Fiction, Science Fiction, and general fiction waiting for you!

 Happy reading!

Freedom to Read Week in Canada

Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intelletual freedom, which is guaranteed them under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Click here for more information.

From CBC Books: Here are 29 books you may be surprised to learn have battled attempts at censorship in Canada. 

From the Calgary Public Library: We support your Freedom to Read whatever you choose. Learn about intellectual freedom and our collections here.

New Heritage Minute for Black History Month

Historica Canada has released a new Heritage Minute for Black History Month!

Chloe Cooley was an enslaved Black woman in Upper Canada in 1793. Her acts of resistance in the face of violence led to Canada’s first legislation limiting slavery.

See ALL Heritage Minutes here 👇

See my collection of Black History Month resources here 👇