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Thursday 27 December 2012

New Report from Pew Internet Looks at How Teens Do Research in the Digital World

The teachers who instruct the most advanced American secondary school students render mixed verdicts about students' research habits and the impact of technology on their studies.
 
Some 77% of advanced placement (AP) and National Writing Project (NWP) teachers surveyed say that the internet and digital search tools have had a "mostly positive" impact on their students' research work. But 87% say these technologies are creating an "easily distracted generation with short attention spans" and 64% say today's digital technologies "do more to distract students than to help them academically."
 
More "traditional" sources of information, such as textbooks, print books, online databases, and research librarians ranked well below these newly emerging technologies.
 
The question of who should be mainly responsible for this part [critical research skills] of the curriculum was also open to debate in focus groups, with some teachers openly acknowledging that they do not currently feel qualified to teach some of these skills. Some reported that their school's English department takes the lead in developing research skills, and that their own role is mainly reinforcing these skills. Yet others suggested these skills need to be taught by all teachers across the curriculum, and that library staff can be a key part of that process.
 

Beyond Words: The Dollar General School Library Relief Fund

Dollar General and the American Association of School Librarians presented Cameron with a $15,000 "Beyond Words: The Dollar General School Library Relief Fund" grant check to rebuild the school's library.

 
"It's just fantastic, and we can't thank Dollar General enough for what they do for us and the community," Cameron said. "It's just going to help us continue to build our Seven Habits and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) programs.
 

Thursday 20 December 2012

CMEC's Report on Reading Strategies and Reading Achievement


CMEC has just published PCAP-13 2007: Report on Reading Strategies and Reading Achievement, the third in a series of research projects in which the PCAP-13 2007 data set is used to examine questions of interest to educational policy-makers and practitioners in Canada. It focuses on the factors that contribute to the performance of 13-year-old Canadian students in reading.

Reading research consistently shows that high-achieving students are characterized by word-recognition and comprehension skills. The aim of employing reading strategies is to achieve fluent reading. Two essential skills in reading are: getting meaning from a written message (Carroll, 1970), and reading for remembering (Baker & Brown, 1984). Fluent reading involves understanding the meaning of a text beyond simple decoding and word recognition, which requires practice with a variety of texts (Pressley, 2006).

 

Reading at home contributes to overall reading competency. When schools encourage children to practise reading at home with parents, the children make significant gains in reading achievement compared to those who only practise at school (Henderson & Berla. (1994).

 

A major task of teaching-strategy research is to show which process factors "work." For example, Wang and Walberg (2001) set out 12 principles for "instructional effectiveness" at the teacher and classroom levels. These are:

1. supportive classroom climate where teacher functions as model and socializer;

2. opportunity to learn where most of the available time is allocated to engaging students

in curriculum-related activities;

3. curricular alignment and cohesive program to accomplish instructional goals;

4. establishing learning orientations, that is, structure to clarify intended outcomes and cue desired learning strategies;

5. coherent, connected content to facilitate meaningful learning and retention;

6. thoughtful discourse around powerful ideas;

7. practice, application, and feedback activities;

8. scaffolding students' task engagement;

9. strategy teaching, where the teacher models and instructs students in learning and self regulation

strategies;

10. cooperative learning to construct understandings or help one another master skills;

11. learning goal-oriented assessment in which a variety of formal and informal assessment methods are used to monitor progress;

12. follow-through on learning-outcome achievement expectations.

 

http://www.cmec.ca/Publications/Lists/Publications/Attachments/296/PCAP2007ReadingEN_Web.pdf

 

Tuesday 18 December 2012

Parenting Styles

Lessons in Learning - December 13, 2007

Series: Lessons in Learning

Authors: Canadian Council on Learning (CCL)

Collection: Research Materials

This paper summarizes recent research on parenting styles and highlights a number of programs aimed at helping parents improve their skills.

The authors explain that parenting styles can be defined along two dimensions: responsiveness, which measures how well the parent is attuned to the child; and control, or how much the parent supervises and disciplines the child and requires obedience and self-control. Those two dimensions determine whether a parent is authoritative, demonstrating high levels of both control and responsiveness; authoritarian, demonstrating a high level of control and a low level of responsiveness; permissive, demonstrating a low level of control and a high level of responsiveness; or neglectful, demonstrating low levels of both control and responsiveness.

As the child grows, authoritative parenting is linked to greater social and emotional competence, with the children of authoritative parents being good at making friends in their early years, less likely to use drugs in their teens, and emotionally stable as young adults.

Recent research suggests that parenting is not necessarily a natural skill and most parents would benefit from some degree of instruction, the authors note. In Canada, there are a number of parent-support and parent-training programs designed to help parents develop positive parenting styles and skills. More high-quality research is needed to determine how effective parenting programs are for Canadian parents in Canadian settings.

http://www.nald.ca/library/research/ccl/lessons_learning/parenting_styles/parenting_styles.pdf


Saturday 8 December 2012

White Oak Elementary School library hosted Bedtime Stories, the annual Family Reading Night event

The White Oak Elementary School library looked enchanted from the outside while the inside felt cozy and intimate. District 54 Librarian Marnie Garcia hosted Bedtime Stories, the annual Family Reading Night event on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2012.   
Students from District 54 were invited to spend the evening in the library with their parents and siblings celebrating time spent reading together. Everyone was encouraged to wear their PJs to the event.

The enchanted night started as participants walked into the library. Each child who entered the doors received a unique number printed on a golden star, which they were to keep with them throughout the evening. Once the star was in hand, participants were off to find just the right seat to listen to Garcia read two picture books to the crowd.

Once the crowd of parents and children had settled into every available nook of the library, Garcia introduced herself. Of course, the children who attend White Oak Elementary school felt like the already knew Mrs. Garcia. Well … they were WRONG!

Garcia told the crowd of her younger days, spent in the library at the school where her mother worked. The librarian at this school took the time to get to know the young Mrs. Garcia, learning her favorite genre of books, her favorite author and even her favorite characters. This particular librarian, whose name was not mentioned, helped to instill the passion Garcia has for books and reading.
After the heartfelt introduction, the reading began. A silence fell over the enchanted library as the words from "PSSSSSST! It's Me … the Bogeyman," by Barbara Park filled the air. While the title of this book may turn some off, the "Bogeyman" in this book happens to be quite hysterical and truly harmless.
http://www.morrisdailyherald.com/2012/12/06/white-oak-library-comes-alive-at-nighttime/av5t28n/

 

Sunday 2 December 2012

Traveling bookmobile for elementary school students

Thanks to Osborn Hill's traveling bookmobile, which made its debut at the Stillson Road elementary school last week.

the reason that first-grader Mallory Smith, 6, chose that book from among hundreds of books on the bookmobile, which was parked outside the school's entrance. Drawings of birds are on the book's cover, and Mallory said she chose it, "Because I like birds a lot."  
Mallory said she'd never been on a bookmobile before and liked it.

Addie Lunn, a 7-year-old first-grader, agreed. "It's fun because you get to go and pick out books," she said

Osborn Hill students are allowed to check out one book from the school library's collection and also one book from the bookmobile until they return it to check out a new one. The bookmobile was open to kindergarten and first-graders on Tuesday and was to be open for second- and third-graders Wednesday and fourth- and fifth-graders Thursday. While the Osborn Hill library remains closed, the bookmobile will make regular visits.

Rehder said Osborn Hill, which has 519 students, is the largest elementary school in town and that it's important for students to have a wide variety of books from which to choose.

Mary Sorhus, head of children's services at Fairfield Public Library and Fairfield Woods Branch Library, agreed. "If they're able to pick out their own books, it really empowers them to read," she said.



Read more: http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Reading-on-a-roll-with-new-bookmobile-4083787.php#ixzz2DxNdCVsU

Library’s Accountable, Collaborate and Transparent Service (ACT) to the community

Library’s Accountable, Collaborate and Transparent Service (ACT) to the community
This report informs the community members about the resources generated and reading development activities as a result of the TD SRC (Summer Reading Club). I would like to thank TD Bank, INDIGO Adopt a School, First Books Canada, Frontier College, IODE, Scholastic, UNESCO, and Prairie Tales for assisting with literacy. Please visit the following pages to view our children, youth and families reading together.
Key outcomes:
· Students excited about reading by engaging students and the outcome was a, ‘Books Are Like Kids Awesome’ display. http://schoollibraryservices.blogspot.ca/2012/09/books-are-like-kidsawesome.html
4. Relationship development and collaborative resource generation for staff and stakeholders http://schoollibraryservices.blogspot.ca/2012/06/collaboration-bulletin-community.html
5. Literacy links and capacity creation as the program was run by volunteers http://aboriginalsummerreading.blogspot.ca/2012/06/childrens-services-agency-community.html
Opportunities for the library as a result of the summer reading program:
2. IODE to provide resources for the breakfast program http://readandfeedthemind.blogspot.ca/
3. Reading is an essential skill community coffeehouse and books giveaway hosted on September 21 from 3 to 4 pm http://essentialskillreading.blogspot.ca/2012/09/brightstar-says-thank-you-for-giving.html
4. Jessie and Xtine screened Prairie Tales and did an animation workshop on September 28 at the Ermineskin Mall http://prairietales14screeningandworkshops.blogspot.ca
5. UNESCOs Freedom of Expression exhibit at Maskwachees Cultural College from November 5-30, 2012. http://librarypathwaysandfootprints.blogspot.ca/2012/11/unescos-international-editorial-cartoon.html
Accountability and connections plus reading activities and resources generated because of the program:
I am now working with the Maskwachees Cultural College. If you need books and literacy resources then please contact me at librarieshelppeople@gmail.com
Manisha Khetarpal,
Head of Library and Services
Maskwachees Cultural College

Tuesday 20 November 2012

"Star Wars Literacy" programs for your library's support of ELL, Special Education, and Classrooms, as well as for library events, creative writing and arts projects, and more!

Learn about ABDO's new "Comic Book Curriculum" and "Star Wars Literacy" programs for your library's support of ELL, Special Education, and Classrooms, as well as for library events, creative writing and arts projects, and more!

This webcast will feature a report on the 10-school pilot program ABDO led with elementary students and staff in a California district, using their Marvel Age comic books and graphic novels, eBooks, and teachers guides in a weeks-long "comic con" with the kids creating their own superheroes and stories based on the books.

Tune in and put on your superhero and superheroine masks and capes for this webcast - you'll be ready to defeat reluctant readers, provide super-strength support to your schools, and promote the greatest superpower of them all – reading.
 
Webcast on December 4th.

Received $3,641.66 in Indigo e-gift cards from Adopt a School!

Ermineskin Elementary School has just received $3,641.66 in Indigo e-gift cards from Adopt a School!

To receive these funds, please log in to your Adopt a School account and go into the Admin section where you can manage your school. There will be a Payouts tab along the top where you can review how much money you have earned, and where you can download your e-gift cards.

Follow this link to gain access to your school admin.

All the best, and good luck with your fundraising!

The Adopt a School Team
adoptaschool.indigo.ca

Monday 19 November 2012

November 20-25 is Universal Children's day: Read in Week - Pajama Reading Party

Pajama Reading Party

Date:_____________


Dear Parents,

In order to get our reading programs off to an exciting start, as well as mark the beginning of our school READ-IN program, we will be having a Pajama Reading Party in the Library. Instead of reading bedtime stories at home, we invite you to come and use the school library books. All students, siblings, and parents are welcome. We encourage children to wear their pajamas and bring along their favorite stuffed animal or blanket.

The evening's agenda is as follows:

6:45-7:00 pm: Parents read with their children
7:00-7:10 pm: Four reading stations will be available. Students go to ONE of the stations to listen to a bedtime story (read by one of the teachers).
7:10-7:20 pm: Students choose another reading station to attend
7:20-7:30 pm: Milk and cookies will be served to students. Cookies will be available for parents, too!

We will be supplying the milk for the children. Please complete the form below to give us an indication of the amount of milk required. We kindly ask parents to assist us by supplying cookies. If you are able to bring one dozen cookies for our Pajama Reading Party, please indicate soon the form below.

We thank you for your continued cooperation and support. We look forward to seeing you at the Pajama Reading Party.


Sincerely,
Staff

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



Please complete this form and return it to your child's teacher by___________________________________


_______We will be attending the Pajama Reading Party on______________________________________________


________Number of children attending


________I can supply at least one dozen cookies


(Please send the cookies in with your child on the morning of the party.)


________Unfortunately, we are unable to attend the Pajama Reading Party.












________________________________


Parent's Signature

Thursday 15 November 2012

Grandparents read to grandchildren


Grandmother Theresa Thunderchild is proud to read to her children anytime and in particular during the National Reading campaign.

National Reading campaign Henderson Best

 
Henderson Best uses, 'On a Pirate Ship' book to teach life skills lessons to his students.

Wednesday 14 November 2012

5C class received book from First Books for achieving their AR reading goals

Mrs. Jessica Chaves was the winner for many students in the class achieving their reading goals. The class is a model for Peer to Peer reading support. This class demonstrates high motivation to read for pleasure. Thank you First Books for giving books on this day of the launch of the National Reading campaign.

3C class received books for bringing all the borrowed books back to the library

Ms. Santana Chief's Grade 3 class are voracious readers with very good library borrowing habits. Each student in the class was rewarded for reading and they received a book as a gift from First Books. Thank you First Books for laying reading as a foundation for learning.

First Books-TD Bank give books to FN students on reserve land Hobbema

All the students of class 6S received Rick Riordan's, 'Lightening Thief' graphic novel for achieving and leading plus setting reading goals and benchmarks for the school. Thank you TD Bank and First Books.

AR reading medal achievers announced on November 14

Young, Tristan 32.4 points, Class 6S, School reading leader

Smallboy, Jacob: 31.9 points, Class 5C

Fraynn, Karina: 27.7 points, Class 5C

Smallboy, Kierik: 24.8 points, Class 5C

Saturday 10 November 2012

Hobbema's FNs students honor war veterans via a postcard writing campaign













Remembrance day postcards by Sandra Mah's class


Compliments for the library by the students


Puppet show by a student


Student volunteers recognized at the library

The librarian appreciates the efforts of the students volunteering at the library and gives them an Appreciation Feather.

Remembrance day resources provided by Veterans Affairs

Bookmarks, posters, books, DVDs, Information handouts, podcasts, etc.

Free books distributed to FNs students on reserve land



First Book Canada-TD Bank helps establish home libraries for FNs students on reserve land.

Books were bought from First Books-TD Bank grant and distributed to a class of Grade 4E students on November 9th.  Their teacher Mr. Frans Erickson (in the picture) was excited and promotes reading for the fun of it. Each student received five copies of the Diary of the Wimpy Kid books.

 

Thursday 8 November 2012

Remembrance Day postcard writing skills exercise by students







FNs students honor and remember war veterans.

Bookmarks


Remembrance day bookmarks distributed to students


Read to Puppets


Puppets are using shelf markers





Puppets travel around the world


Halloween fun, 'Guess the Name of the Teacher'


I love reading


Nora is making the shelves tidy



Students help students at the library

Peer to Peer support is encouraged at the library.

Ermineskin Reads Book Bins are ready for distribution


Making Math Fun for Kids: Pre K-Grade 3

Fairfield Public Library will present a free "Making Math Fun for Kids: Pre K-Grade 3" program at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, in the children's program room at the main library, 1080 Old Post Road.

Elementary math tutor Jessica Curtiss will demonstrate fun math games to play with young children by using everyday materials, according to a release. Parents may bring materials home with them ready to use.

The talk is the last program in the library's Pathways to Parenting series this fall.

Tuesday 6 November 2012

Remembrance Day 2012 index page







 

 

 

National Bullying Awareness Week (November 12 – 17, 2012)

Dear Friends,

In recognition of National Bullying Awareness Week (November 12 – 17, 2012), we are pleased to invite you to participate in an interactive webcast about cyberbullying prevention, hosted in partnership with our Prevention of Bullying Youth Committee. Learn more about cyberbullying, Internet safety and ways to support friends and family members online.


Date: November 13, 2012

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Participate: online via www.b-free.ca or www.bullyfreealberta.ca

Attend live: Louis St. Laurent Junior/Senior High School, 11230 - 43 Avenue, Edmonton

The panel discussion will focus on:

· Defining bullying and cyberbullying and learning the signs and how children and youth can be supported;

· Learning about tools to navigate the Internet safely and how to support others affected by cyberbullying; and

· Bullying prevention resources.

We hope you will be able to join the discussion for this important event.

Sincerely,

Dave Hancock, QC Jeff Johnson

Minister of Human Services Minister of Education

How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character

In How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character (Houghton Mifflin, 2012), Paul Tough challenges the generally accepted notion that academic achievement rests primarily on the types of cognitive skills measured by IQ tests. Could it be that success is, in fact, more dependent upon non-cognitive skills or character traits such as grit, self-control, zest, social intelligence, gratitude, optimism, and curiosity? And if so, what does it mean for well-intentioned but perhaps flawed educational reform designed to lift children out of poverty by focusing on improving student performance on high-stakes math and reading tests?
 

I think their examples tell us two things. The first is that the environment that kids grow up in matters a tremendous amount in their outcomes. No children in this country should have to grow up with the kind of deprivation and stress and trauma that those four kids experienced in their early years. More than anything, we need to develop a better social-support system in this country for disadvantaged children and families, one that focuses on the early years but continues through adolescence.

The second is that young people can succeed even when they do grow up in very difficult circumstances. But they can't do it alone. They need help from a committed adult, whether that's a family member, a teacher, a mentor, or a coach. I think about the kind of dedicated, compassionate, focused support that Keitha got from her mentor, Lanita Reed. That was what made a difference for her.

http://www.slj.com/2012/11/books-media/author-interview/does-character-matter/

 

Monday 5 November 2012

“Privacy Matters” will be the theme of this year’s Media Literacy Week

MediaSmarts and the Canadian Teachers' Federation (CTF) are pleased to announce "Privacy Matters" will be the theme of this year's Media Literacy Week, shining a spotlight on the privacy knowledge and skills that youth need for their online activities.

The week will be held Nov. 5-9.
 

November is Picture Book Celebration month

Picture Book Month is an international literacy initiative that celebrates the print picture book during the month of November.

Founder, Dianne de Las Casas (author & storyteller) storyconnection.net, and Co-Founders, Katie Davis (author/illustrator) katiedavis.com, Elizabeth O. Dulemba (author/illustrator) www.dulemba.com, Tara Lazar (author) taralazar.wordpress.com, and Wendy Martin (author/illustrator) wendymartinillustration.com, put together their worldwide connections to make this happen.

Every day in November, there is a new post from a picture book champion explaining why he/she thinks picture books are important.  The world needs picture books. There's nothing like the physical page turn of a beautifully crafted picture book.

Join the celebration and party with a picture book!  Enjoy a picture book with your family. Come to the library and borrow your favourite picture book or visit a book store and buy a book.

 

Tuesday 30 October 2012

Thank you book fair gift certificate donor's

Councillor Samuel Minde, Scholastic, Intellimedia, and Family Literacy program donated gift certificates for families to buy books at the book fair.

Vocabulary development activities using cereal boxes


Mrs. Millie used cereal boxes to teach students to expand their vocabulary using print material in and around the house.

Mrs. Millie's Cat's position concept activity

Mrs. Millie combined cats and file folders and created a position concept activity.