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BookmarkSUMMER 2011 VOL 51 ISSUE I BRITISH COLUMBIA TEACHER LIBRARIANS Diversity and the Magic of Three The classroom teacher, the teacher-librarian and the writer or illustrator

By Vi Hughes Vice President - Children’s Writers and Illustrators of BC Society We naturally think of diversity when we plan a unit for a group of students. Students are unique in many ways: in their background knowledge, learning styles, interests, level of language, abilities and student reading well beyond grade special needs. In every classroom level. The teacher –librarian can be a there is also a range of reading levels powerful partner, in accessing – from the non English-speaking Teaching to that diversity requires a these resources and in collaborative student and non-reader to the variety of resources. In all curricular planning and teaching. Teacher- areas and especially in the content librarians bring their knowledge of areas of Math, Social Studies, and the school’s library collection and IN THIS Science, students may not be able to how it supports the curriculum Issue access information from a textbook. goals into that planning. They When a struggling reader picks up a have the ability to integrate skills  EXECUTIVE COLUMN text they encounter two things they in information literacy into the President-Heather Daly ...... 6 must do. First they must be able classroom content. They can be Editor-Angie MacRitchie...... 3 to read. Then they must be able to the connection to learning through Meet Our Stars- Arlene Anderson..7 understand the textbook features technology. And they can be and the content vocabulary and  the connection to another great FEATURE concepts, often presented in dense resource- the writer and illustrator. Diversity and the Magic. -Hughes...1 text with no supports such as you’d M.Kusugak Interview. -Ruurs...... 30 find in a story plot. Consider the trade books out there  PRO-DEVELOPMENT – the books written by writers and Confrerence 2011 Burnaby...... 21 Accessing library resources supports illustrators who are knowledgeable Storytelling -Cheriee Weichel ...... 9 the learning of these students and and skilled in their topic area. Those Elluminate SD8 -J. Bate Stein...... 24 enriches the learning of the more writers and illustrators are valuable able student. Lots of resources and resources and can be collaborative  CONTRIBUTORS of different types: trade books planners too. They are available for New on the Net.- J. Goldsmith.....33 written on the subject, graphic classroom visits and can address the Living Books -K. Lindsay...... 10 books, content area journals and diversity in the classroom by making Evidence Based - N. Kuhn...... 15 magazines, visual presentations, presentations tailored to a particular  BCTLA BOOK REVIEWS films, dvds, music, information from group of students. Spring 2011...... 53 the internet, and more. cont...p.8 http://bcteacherlibrarians.ning.com/ be part of the conversation Table of ContentstheBOOKMARK SPRING 2011

• PRESIDENT’S COLUMN by Heather Daly ...... 5 • BOOKMARK EDITOR by Angie MacRitchie ...... 3 • MEMBERSHIP Executive Directory...... 4 Meet Our Stars -Arlene Anderson...... 7 • FEATURES

Diversity and The Magic of Three-by Vi Hughes ...... 1 Children’s Writers & Illustrators of in your school by Shar Levine ...... 12 Best Ever Science Books by Shar Levine ...... 13 Michael Kusugak, Author interview with Margriet Ruurs...... 30

• TEACHER-LIBRARIAN NETWORKING

New on the Net by John Goldsmith ...... 33 Living Books Festival by Karen Lindsay ...... 10 Helping Schools Enhance Health Literacy by Cindy Andrew ...... 26 From Study Centre to Dedicated Library by Andrew Shenton ...... 29 CLA/CASL Award Winners 2011 ...... 57

• PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

BCTLA Conference 2011 Burnaby...... 32 Ken Haycock Award -Report by Cheriee Weichel ...... 22 witter PD @bctla ...... 21 Interactive Corner- BitTorrent in Plain English by CommonCraft...... 27 BCTLA’s Points of Inquiry initiative and support documents ...... 31

• LIBRARY PROGRAM

Practice What You Teach- Evidence Based Practice by Nicola Kuhn...... 15 DEAR Drop Everything and Read 2011 by Jeff Yasinchuk ...... 25 BCTLA Working and Learning Conditions Report ...... 61

• ACQUISITIONS-SELECTIONS

Savard’s Stars by Stewart Savard ...... 40 Cruchley’s Corner by Diana Cruchley...... 43 Book Reviews -Carolyn Cutt and Pat Parker...... 51

BCTEACHERLIBRARIANS’ NETWORK http://bcteacherlibrarians.ning.com @BCTLA- TWITTER... http://twitter.com/#!/bctla BCTLA- WEB HOME http://www.bctf.ca/bctla

SUMMER 2011 VOL 51 ISSUE I Angie MacRitchieSENIOR EDITOR

nce again it is June and I member, now teaching in Tunisia, BIO O shares her creative approach to a find myself reflecting on this Living Books Festival. In Cruchley’s ngie year as well as thinking about Corner, Diana has not one but three A how I might begin things in books to share with fabulous lesson MacRitchie my school library for next year. ideas to help get your year started. is a teacher- Margriet Ruurs has contributed a librarian How should I start the first at Rutland term with my students? How wonderful interview with Canadian author, Michael Kusugak. Formerly Elementary, will I keep up with the high of Nunavut, Kusugak now resides in SD #23, level of collaboration expected? BC. Finally, don’t forget to enjoy our Kelowna. What curricular changes do I regular columns from Stew Savard Angie need to be aware of? What will and John Goldsmith as well as our MacRitchie book reviews section. is a teacher-librarian at Rutland I do for my summer profes- Elementary School in SD 23, sional development? I have been Senior Editor of The Kelowna, BC. She has been a Bookmark for three years and it has BCTLA executive member for Then I remember, I need to stop been a wonderful learning experi- several terms as Vice President, and enjoy some of our summer first! ence where I have had the pleasure Chapter Relations. This is her Yes, like most of you, I love my job of meeting many interesting people. second terrm as Senior Editor of and relish the planning that goes With Al Smith’s help, I have seen The Bookmark. into it. I always look to improve my the journal go through a dramatic [email protected] teaching and planning practices and http://www.rle.sd23.bc.ca/ transition but have decided to let hope the students I work with will someone else continue as I think the benefit in some way. Toward that journal now needs some fresh ideas end, one thing I’ve done and urge and someone new to implement l you to do is read this issue of The them. Your new Senior Editor is a ASmith Bookmark. teacher-librarian from Maple Ridge, is a teacher- Suzanne Hall. librarian at This issue contains several inspiring Enjoy your summer and this issue of Kelowna articles. A new regular contribu- The Bookmark! Secondary tor, CWILL president,Shar Levine shares some of her top Science picks Angie MacRitchie, Senior Editor School, SD as well as some great ideas to inspire 1 #23, Kelowna. young scientists in the classroom. I Al was the past love CWILL VP, Vi Hughes’ con- BCTLA web- tribution entitled, Diversity and the Enjoy this issue, send feedback to master, Recording Secretary and Magic of Three. It is a fresh look the contact information below, and publications staffer since 2007. He at collaboration which includes the stay tuned for upcoming issues. is an active member of COTLA and the TL community. His passion is author/illustrator. I look forward http://bctf.ca/bctla/index.html to more articles from members of climbing, flyfishing and photogra- As you enjoy this issue of The phy. CWILL in the future. Our guest Bookmark, I invite you to consider contributor, Dr. Andrew Shenton, [email protected] sending in some feedback or blog http://twitter.com/#!/literateowl a TL from the north-east coast of articles at: http://bcteacherlibrarians.ning. http://www.kss.sd23.bc.ca/rc England, describes his program at com/profiles/blogs/thebookmark-bctla http://literateowl.wordpress.com Monkseaton High School. Karen Lindsay, former BCTLA executive

EDITOR 3 BCTLA Executive 2011

POSITION NAME EMAIL WORK#

President Heather Daly [email protected] 604-937-6380 Past President vacant VP, Chapter Relations Halia Hirniak [email protected] 604-463-7108 VP, Advocacy Jeff Yasinchuk [email protected] 604-354-5400 VP, Resources Gordon Powell [email protected] 604-668-6056 Treasurer Chris Evans [email protected] 604-713-4723 Secretary Patricia Baisi [email protected] 604-574-4141 Conference Chair Bonnie McComb [email protected] 250-655-2737 Liaison Chair Moira Ekdahl [email protected] 604-713-5016 The Bookmark Chair Angie MacRitchie [email protected] 250-765-9771 Professional Dev Chair Arlene Anderson [email protected] 604-981-1313 Working & Learning Chair Amanda Hufton [email protected] 604-688-6210 at Large (Blogs, Forum) Val Hamilton [email protected] retired at Large (Membership) Kam Purewal [email protected] 604-713-4793 at Large (BC North, Research) Lynn Turner [email protected] retired

a Provincial Specialist Association of the BC Teachers’ Federation. Join or renew your membership! Now ONLINE! http://bctf.ca/bctla/info/membership.html Contact Kam at [email protected] for all questions.

BCTLA : PROFESSIONALS VOLUNTEERING and ADVOCATING for MEMBERS

SPRING 2011 VOL 51 ISSUE I 4 From Your PresidentHEATHER DALY

IN CIRCULATION: http://bctlaincirculation.blogspot.com/ Spring 2011 brings conclusion to coordinated and promoted, both Association (WLMA) conference, BCTLA’s 2008-2011 Action Plan. here in BC and by the Manitoba and the WLMA President Elect Over the past three years, BCTLA School Library has risen to the challenge, modern- Association. izing our governance and operations, •BCTLA adding new systems and resources, Executive mem- supporting teacher-librarians in bers helped to schools and districts, and leading the staff the BCTF way. Indeed, now, having emerged booth at Word responsive, powerful, and capable, on the Street on no challenge seems too large. We September 26 are moving into the future with pas- and staffed a dis- sion and purpose, bolstered by the play table at the recent BC Supreme Court decision BCTF New and that may have a significant impact in Student Teachers’ our efforts to restore school library Conference on programs and services for every stu- February 26. dent and staff member in the prov- •Additional initia- ince. tives included “Love Your School attended our conference in October. Some highlights from 2010-2011: Library” in February and recognition •BCTLA was invited to be part of Executive and Council Meetings of the Day of Pink and Freedom to the Ministry of Education’s event •BCTLA Executive meetings were Read Week. celebrating the 100th anniversary of held on September 18 (all day), on Working and Learning Conditions public library service in BC, and to October 22, on January 22 (all day), •Teacher-librarian bargaining priori- present on school libraries to library and on April 15. ties were prepared and sent to the technician students at Langara •Chapter Councillors met on BCTF Executive. College. October 23 and April 16. •The 2009-10 Working and •Representatives of BCTLA pro- Advocacy Learning Conditions survey report vided support on a number of •For the third consecutive year, was released, accompanied by a committees, including the Red Canadian Library Month posters BCTF news release and media Cedar Book Awards (YRCA), the were sent to all public schools in the events. BC Digitization Coalition, and province with the help of the Public Professional Publications BCLA YAACS (Young Adult and Library Services Branch. •The Points of Inquiry: A Childrens’ Services). •The colloquium/webcast, “E-texts, Framework for Information Literacy Communication and Awards E-books: Are We at a Tipping and the 21st-Century Learner was •There was regular communica- Point?”, involving BCTLA promo- released in October 2010. tion with Chapter Councillors and tion, was held at UBC on October •The Bookmark continued to be an with BCTLA members through the 28 in celebration of National School important professional resource. BCTLA Forum, the BCTLA blogs Library Day. Collaboration and Twitter. •The fourth Drop Everything •BCTLA’s President attended •In February 2011, an and Read (DEAR) challenge was the Washington Library Media online Communications and Professional Development HTTP://BCTLAINCIRCULATION.BLOGSPOT.COM 5 survey was sent to members, who er-librarians in districts where there BIO responded regarding their prefer- are no BCTLA Chapters, includ- ences. ing SD34 (Abbotsford) and SD91 eather •Awards were presented to a num- (Nechako Lakes). Daly ber of amazing teacher-librarians, •Work commenced in Northern BC isH the current and Chapter Grants were awarded to reconstitute Chapters including President of to the Delta and Langley Teacher- in SD82 (Coast Mountains). the BCTLA Librarians’ Associations. and a District Professional Development Thank you to the 2010-2011 Librarian, Coquitlam •With thanks to the Central BCTLA Executive: Jeff Yasinchuk, School District #43. Okanagan Teacher-Librarians’ Bonnie McComb, Halia Hirniak, Association, the “Kelowna Fresh” Chris Evans, Amanda Hufton, My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science (Cell Biology Conference was very successfully Lynn Turner, Angie MacRitchie, and Genetics), a Bachelor of Education held in October. Moira Ekdahl, Kam Purewal, Arlene (Middle Years - Science), a Diploma •The BC Teacher-Librarians Ning, Anderson, Patricia Baisi, and Val of Education (Teacher-Librarianship), our new collaboration portal, was Hamilton. I would also like to a Master of Library and Information developed and launched. thank the incomparable Al Smith, Studies, and a Master of Archival Membership who has supported the BCTLA Studies, all from UBC. I started my career as a teacher-librarian working •Online membership registration Executive in every endeavour! 0.4 at Millside Elementary School in was implemented. Thank you also to the BCTLA Coquitlam. A few months after starting •Contact was established with teach- Chapter Councillors, to all of our at Millside, a 0.6 position at Panorama Heights Elementary School, also in Coquitlam, became available and I became 1.0. For the past few years, I have been the Library and Information Coordinator for School District #43 (Coquitlam). I work within the district’s Staff Development Department on a variety of initiatives and in a variety of areas, all related to library and information. Much of my role involves supporting new teacher- librarians. http://public.sd43.bc.ca/district/library

Chapter Executive members, to our formal liaison representatives to other associations and agen- cies, and to all of our committee members, including those on the K-12 Information Literacy Project team (Moira Ekdahl, Lynn Turner, Julie Robinson, and Michele Farquharson). Last but not least, thank you to all of the teacher- librarians in BC for everything you do, and to all of those locally and abroad who have provided support to us in our efforts, but most espe- cially to our Members. 1

BLOG THIS http://bcteacherlibrarians.ning. com/profiles/blogs/incirculation-by- heather-daly

IN-CIRCULATION 6 Meet Our StarsArlene Anderson

PASSION - COMMITMENT - PROFESSIONAL Our “Star” this issue is our the BCTLA seemed natural. She B L O G T H I S new BCTLA Professional served as co-chair of her district http://bcteacherlibrarians.ning.com/profiles/ library committee for two years blogs/meet-our-stars-arlene-anderson Development Chairperson: and during that time became a Arlene Anderson Chapter Councillor. PROFILE “There is only http://bcteacherlibrarians.ning.com/ one librarian profile/3ig950t2qri46 in my school,” Our star this issue is Arlene she points out. “I needed to Anderson, one of the new- meet other professionals in the est additions to the BCTLA field and learn from them.” Last executive. Arlene Anderson is year, Arlene joined the executive a teacher-librarian at Rockridge of the BCTLA, taking on the Secondary School in West education Vancouver where she has portfolio. taught for the past twenty years. She credits Rockridge’s former TL, Anne MacDonald, with inspiring her to pursue a career in the library.

“Anne seemed to know in advance what staff needed and how to support our lessons,” says Arlene. Arlene “I was attracted to the collabora- Anderson, Teacher-Librarian Rockridge Secondary School, West tive aspects of the job.” Vancouver, BC When Ms. MacDonald retired seven years ago, Arlene applied for her position and got it. Two years later she completed her Masters of Education in Teacher Librarianship at UBC. “Some might think they are too old to begin a new career at the age of fifty,” says Arlene, “ but I have never looked back. I love the library.” For Arlene, becoming involved in

MEET OUR STARS 7 FROM P.1: HUGHES ...Magic of Three

Every book has a dimension beyond book for choosing during sustained And book a visit. Most author / the printed page. The author and silent reading, a book for teaching illustrators have their own website illustrator can bring it all to life. a concept, a book to support the but they are also listed on the English CWILL website. language learner, graphic books, map Books by BC writers books, funny and illustrators. books, scary books, books Have a look. Extend an invitation. to take home when you Some new titles by CWILL BC need to know writers and illustrators are included everything here. They particularly support the about a subject. Social Studies and Science PLO’s. These are the wonderful The Weber Street Wonder Work Crew books written by Maxwell Newhouse. and illustrated Tundra Books. ISBN: 978-0-88776- by BC 913-9 Children’s’ Grades 1-4 Writers and The Weber Street Wonder Work Illustrators. Crew is a group of kids who have Get connected lots to offer their neighbours: from to these people babysitting cranky toddlers to and their lending a hand in a garden, even books. The helping an elderly lady who needs Language Arts support to keep up with her friends curriculum is online. a natural place Lively folk-style paintings work for trade books with a simple text to inspire kids to but don’t forget take part in helping in their own the writers and communities. illustrators who have 50 Poisonous Questions by Tanya Kyi. contributed so Illustrated by Ross Kinnaird. much in the Annick Press. ISBN content areas 9781554512805 such as Social Grade 4 and up Their research and knowledge about Studies and a subject extends far beyond what Science. It’s a toxic world out there! they included in the book. Invite Venomous creatures, poisonous them into your school to share that The Children’s Writers & Illustrators leaves, and noxious fumes are all extensive knowledge. of BC Society (CWILL) has 160 around us. But even though poisons members throughout the province can be the death of us, they’re also Together, a teacher, a teacher- who collectively have over 1,400 useful -- some can soothe pain or librarian and an author or illustrator books published. On the CWILL cure disease. can make magic. web site www.cwill.bc.ca , you Authors and illustrators have created will find member author and Lizards in the Sky: Animals Where books for all purposes- a book to illustrator names, titles of books You Least Expect Them by Claire be enjoyed for its story or poetry published, awards won, and contact Eamer. or visual effects, a book to inspire information. Ask your school’s Annick Press. young writers and illustrators, a learning resource committee or your Softcover ISBN 13: perfect book for a ‘read aloud’, a teacher-librarian to order the books 9781554512645. Hardcover that support your teaching goals. ISBN 13: 9781554512652

F E AT U R E : 8 Grade 5 and up Adaptations for Young Performers BIO Lizards in the Sky examines how by Irene N. Watts. Original Stories animals adapt to their habitats by Robert Munsch. Illustrations by by looking at extreme forms of Michael Martchenko. i adaptation: flying snakes, diving Annick Press. ISBN 13: VHughes deer, birds that hunt on stream 9781554512300 is an bottoms, worms that live in glaciers, For elementary and junior secondary educator and salamanders that live deep in students. and writ- caves and In this book, er, who can go for Irene Watts has lives on a decade “...Canadian time adapted eight the north without a Munsch stories shore who meal. travel stories interspers- for drama. This is a literacy ing contemporary issues book especially consultant Shot at Dawn with vignettes illustrat- supports the and past Vancouver admin- by John student who istrator. Her recent book is a Wilson. ing how different families learns best read aloud for children Once Upon a Bath Time. came to Canada...” though physical http://vihughes.com/ Scholastic. activity and active http://www.cwill.bc.ca ISBN: 978-0- engagement with 545-98595-6 the text. The BLOG THIS AT stories included in the collection are: http://bcteacherlibrarians.ning.com/profiles/ Ages 9-12 blogs/diversity-and-the-magic-of * Angela’s Airplane Part of the series ‘I am Canada’, * 50 Below Zero this story tells of a Canadian boy’s * Millicent and The Wind disillusion when he goes off to fight * Mortimer in the First World War. * Mud Puddle * Murmel, Murmel, Murmel This Child, Every Child (A Book * The Paper Bag, Princess About the World’s Children) by * Stephanie’s Ponytail David J. Smith. Once Upon A Bathtime by Vi Illustrated by Shelagh Armstrong. Hughes. Illustrations by Elizabeth Shefrin Kids Can Press. Tradewind Books ISBN: 978-1-896580-54-8 ISBN: 10: 1554534666, ISBN-13: A cumulative storybook for 978-1554534661 preschool and early primary. Middle grades A little girl takes her night time bath and is joined by her favourite This book contains statistics and fairytale characters. stories comparing the lives of A shared reading teaching plan is children around the world. available on request. Facing Fire by kc dyer. Doubleday. ISBN : 978-0-385-66637-4 Middle Grades and up This book is one of a series of Canadian time travel stories interspersing contemporary issues with vignettes illustrating how different families came to Canada. In Facing Fire the main character winds up at Fort Frontenac in 1758, in the middle of a group of Acadians fleeing a British attack during the Seven Years’ War. Munsch at play, Eight Stage

HUGHES 9 Living Books FestivalKaren Lindsay

Living Books Festival I called my event the Living Books ers. The groundwork had been laid. by Karen Lindsay Festival. I started by running the Over the next three or four weeks, idea past our school literacy com- the rest of the committee came mittee. What did they think about through with a wide variety of inter- In every school library organizing a day where we would esting people. We had an impressive across the land the invite experts from our community roster of speakers to present to our to bring their expertise to our stu- colleagues. questions ring out: How dents? Teachers would have to be On the day, I was as busy as a one- do we demonstrate willing armed our relevance? How to give paper- up one hanger, do we create excite- precious so I ment about research? hour of didn’t their get to How do we make the curricu- see any connection between lum, more people and information, and we than would five and make it fun? do our minutes best to of a few make presen- Last year, Australian exchange teach- sure tations er Wendy Rutten wrote an article that as I ran for The Bookmark about a Living there was something for everyone on around taking pictures, but my Books event she had held at her the day. Right away, the committee favourites were these: Dr. Robert host school, Parkland Secondary in began generating ideas for speakers Gifford, an environmental psycholo- and offering to contact people they gist who brought a video of inside beautiful Sidney by the sea. The idea knew. One knew a professional the International Space Station. seemed to answer these questions, so actress, another’s husband would be Every known clip of the ISS had I decided to give it a try in my own back from being an events organizer been skillfully edited so that it library this year. at the Olympic Games, another appeared to be a complete tour of For those who might have missed knew two tri-athletes who might the facility. Dr. Gifford had used this the article come; I kicked in my brother who film as a basis for a study on livable http://virtualbookmark.typepad.com/the_vir- is a research psychologist who spe- environments which was completed tual_bookmark/2010/06/the-living-librarywendy- cializes in memory function. Given in 2007. Once the students had rutten.html their level of enthusiasm and energy, viewed the tape, Dr. Gifford had , here’s the concept. Gather together I knew I was on to something. them fill out questionnaires about a bunch of interesting experts from whether or not they would be will- one’s community, catalogue them From there, we sought the under- ing to go, how long they thought like books, and circulate them to standing and support of our princi- they could live there, what they classes in a day-long celebration of pal, then our staff committee, and thought would be fun and what rich learning. Human beings are finally the staff. Those hurdles met, would be problematic for them. plentiful, legitimate sources of infor- we were off. Although his study on the habit- mation and yet students very rarely I contacted the University of ability of the ISS is complete, he was contact experts in their community Victoria Speaker’s Bureau, a brilliant making them think and giving them when they are asked to do research. outreach program that connects pro- the experience of participating in a So why not plant the seed of includ- fessors willing to share their exper- research study. He gave those physics ing people in the information seek- tise with organizations who would students an experience like no other. ing process by making an event out like to hear what they’ve got to say. The other memorable “Living of it? Within a week, I had seven speak- Book” for me was tri-athlete Jasper LINDSAY 1 0 Blake whose mother was diagnosed government. We also got in some ◊Have a student from the class they with MS in 1992. She had always retired teachers. are going to address come and pick wanted to hike in the Himalayas, ◊Once you know who your speak- up their guest. I had some fun with and the diagnosis seemed to end that ers are and what period(s) they can this. I created a bar-coded MARC come, draw up record in a lanyard for each speaker a grid and and scanned each one out to the post it in teacher who had booked them and some central back in again at the end. This simple location for thing made them come back at the staff mem- end instead of just leaving, and gave bers to sign me a chance to thank them and give up. (This each one a little gift of a school pen is where and mug. I learned ◊After the day, make sure you write that they an article for the school newsletter hadn’t really so that parents get the flavour of the understood event. Next year, put out a call for the concept presenters to them! very well.) Don’t despair The conversations in the library if it doesn’t between classes and all through lunch created a wonderful energy. Brandon begins his session on Compassion​ate Listening and Non-Violen​t Communicat​ion. Most speakers arrived early and stayed for a while after their sessions. dream. In 2007, Jasper and a team immediately fill up. I let my com- They really enjoyed the chance to of friends created Rise about Barriers mittee have first dibs so they could talk to each other about their plans and using a specially modified wheel model the behaviour. and experience. I saw cards being chair, took Pippa Blake on the ◊Follow up with individuals to exchanged, too, and that made me three-week trek to Mount Everest encourage their participation. (Hey, feel very good. base camp. His slides and story were chemistry teacher! Why haven’t you beautiful, moving and inspiring. The grabbed Dr. X for your Chem. 12 But the best was the buzz in the powerful love between those people class? That talk titled Chemicals: school. Kids were poured out of allowed them to give more than they The good the bad and the just plain rooms still talking about their speak- knew they had, and Pippa to accept ugly has your name written all over er’s topic, and asking friends they that love and help with an open it.”) met in the halls if they’d also had a heart. I wondered which was harder ◊Find out from each speaker what speaker in their class. It was com- to do - the giving or the receiving? their equipment needs are, and make pletely random, of course. Some stu- Music maker Louise Rose held sev- the classroom teacher responsible for dents had a day entirely filled with enty band students in the palm of assuring that what they need is in Living Books, which was a bit much her hand while she talked about the room ahead of time. for them. Others didn’t get to expe- what life-long learning means to ◊A week before, communicate with rience even one, which was a pity. her - and should to them. It was an each teacher who booked a session The committee intends to make the amazing day. and confirm date, time and equip- LBF an annual event, and the staff ment needs. I avoided some serious is enthusiastic about that. Now that Since the devil is in the details, here embarrassment in this way. (“Did I they’ve seen how it all works, I know is what I found to be keys to a suc- do that? How silly; it’s my spare.”) they’ll be more engaged in the plan- cessful event. ◊Have speakers meet in the library ning process. and have coffee, tea, juice and snacks ◊Delegate, delegate, delegate. Put out for them. If money is tight, have Me? I intend to give it a go at my someone in charge of creating a wel- the person in charge of refreshments new school in Tunis. I’ll let you coming space in the library for the ask your local grocer or coffee shop know how it goes. -Karen speakers, someone else in charge of if they would like to sponsor the 1 refreshments, and another respon- event. Starbucks is a great supporter sible for rounding up thank you gifts of literacy, and provided us with two and cards. “travelers”, enough coffee, cream and BLOG ◊If you have a university or col- sugar to get us through the whole http://bcteacherlibrarians.ning.com/profiles/ lege in your town, see if they can day. blogs/living-books-festival-by-karen provide speakers. The Chamber ◊Take lots of pictures, both in the of Commerce is another possible library and in classes. source, as are the various levels of

LINDSAY 1 1 InviteINTO an YOURAuthor SCHOOL or Illustrator

A letter from Shar Children are thrilled to meet authors district; there are grants available to and illustrators and they are amazed teachers! Levine to find that these talented people live in a community near them. As a teacher, you can apply for a President of the Children’s CWILL BC author or illustrator to Writers & Illustrators of BC If you have never had a writer or come into your school for a long- Society (CWILL BC Society) illustrator visit your school, and you term residency (a week or more). don’t have a budget, we can offer That residency could be three hours Dear Teacher-librarians, you suggestions on how you can a day, from Monday to Friday, for find funding. one or more specific classes of stu- As the President of the Children’s dents. The funding your school Writers & Illustrators of BC Society, Here how to find funds for author would then be eligible for would be I would like to thank you for this and illustrator school visits: 60% of the CWILL BC member’s opportunity to tell you something fee. about our organization and our Artists in Education 1 – Grants to members. The Children’s Writers & Districts To apply, fill out the application Illustrators of BC Society has 160 Did you know that your district here: http://www.artstarts.ca and members throughout the province already receives government fund- submit it to Artstarts (see link for who have collectively had over 1,400 ing for author and illustrator class- specific instructions). Along with the books published. On our web site room workshops and presentations? application, you must include the http://www.cwill.bc.ca , you will All grants are available through CWILL BC member’s curriculum find member author and illustrator ArtStarts. vitae. names, titles of books published, awards won, and contact informa- A district can apply for a CWILL Watch for application deadlines! tion. BC author or illustrator to give an Introduce your students to some of hour-long workshop or presentation the remarkable writers and illustra- According to teachers and librarians in the school classroom and be eli- tors in their midst. It will change the “school author visits promote read- gible for funding to cover up to 60% way they see books. It will change ing and books! The positive impact of the CWILL BC member’s fee! the way they read. of meeting and talking to an author is evident in the students’ enthusi- As a teacher, all you Thank you for sup- asm for reading. The lessons learned, need to do is send a porting BC writers the enthusiasm generated and the request for Artstarts and illustrators. If increase in books borrowed indi- funding along with you have any ques- cates that an author visit is worth- the CWILL BC tions, please feel while for any school.” member’s curriculum free to contact us vitae to your district at membership@ “To see the process of preparing contact. cwill.bc.ca illustrations for picture books from Shar Levine- start to finish was enlightening. It http://paolasportfolio.blogspot.com/p/storytelling.html President underscored the value of represent- You can find more - CWILL ing ideas in a variety of forms, and information here: BC Society the challenges inherent in doing so.” www.artstarts.ca - (apply for funding on pull-down menu.) BLOG THIS: http://bcteacherlibrarians.ning.com/profiles/ One of our members says that an blogs/letter-from-shar-levine-cwill author visit to his grade 4 classroom Artists in Education 2- Grants to inspired him to become a writer. Schools There’s no need to go through your LEVINE 1 2 BEST CANADIAN CHILDREN’S SCIENCE BOOKS AND SCIENCE WRITERS AS CHOSEN BY CANADIAN CHILDREN’S SCIENCE WRITERS

By Shar Levine Bateman, Robert - Conlan, Kathy, Under the Ice www.robertbateman.ca - Christie, Peter, Animal Snoops Who better to Birds of Prey Cumbaa, Stephen - recommend science Becker, Helanie - www.kidscanpress.com, books for children than www.helainebecker.com - Sea Monsters authors who specialize in The Insecto-Files De Vries, Maggie - writing science books for Berkowitz, Jacob - www.maggiedevries.com, children? www.jacobberkowitz.com - Tale of a Great White Fish: a Sturgeon Story Jurassic Poop Authors from across Canada were Drake, Jane and Ann Love - asked to name their favorite science Bogart, Jo Ellen - www.janedrake.ca, book or science writer, and while www.canscaip.org/bios/bogart. Alien Invaders: Species That Threaten Our most were probably tempted to add Big and Small, Room for All World their names to the list, they put aside any attempt to stack the deck Bondar, Barbara - Eamer, Claire - with their own works, and came up www.barbarabondar.com - www.claireeamer.com, with this list. It should be noted On the Shuttle:Eight Days in Space Spiked Scorpions & Walking Whales: that some titles may be out of print Modern Animals, Ancient Animals, and but many authors will be moving to Bortolotti, Dan - Water ebooks or print on demand. If you www.danbortolotti.com - cannot find a book but you would Wild Blue Forsyth, Adrian- like a copy of it, please write to the How Monkeys Make Chocolate author and check the status of the Bosak, Susan - book in question. www.leg- Flatt, Lizann - acyproject. www.lizannflatt.com Also - the list only represents one org - The Nature Treasurey book from each author. Please Science Is go to the author’s web site for a Helm, Charles- more up to date or complete list. Bourgeois, Daniel’s Dinosaurs: A If you would like to recommend Paulette - True Story of Discovery a Canadian author or illustrator, www.pau- lettebour- Hickman, Pamela- please email [email protected] geoiswriter. Turtle Rescue: com - The Changing the Future for Marilyn Baillie - Dirt on Dirt Endangered Wildlife www.mapletreepress.com, Amazing Things Animals Do Bowers, Hodge, Deborah - Vivien - www.deborahhodge.com , Bayrock, Fiona - www.vivienbowers.com - Up We Grow! A Year in the Life of a Small, www.fionabayrock.com - Crime Scene Local Farm Bubble Homes and Fish Farts Brewster, Hugh - Galat, Joan Marie - Bartholomew, Alan- www.hughbrewster.com www.joangalat.com , Electric Gadgets And Gizmos: Battery- Dinosaurs in Your Backyard Dot to Dot in the Sky, Stories of the Moon Powered Buildable Gadgets That Go! LEVINE 13 Ingram, Jay - O’Reilly, Gillian and Cora Lee- Thomas, Keltie - www.jayingram.ca , The Great Number Rumble: A Story of www.keltiethomas.com The Science of Everyday Life Math in Surprising Places How Figure Skating Works Isabella, Jude - www.judeisabella.com, Pearce, Jacquie - Thornhill, Jan - Hoaxed! Fakes and Mistakes in the World www.jacquelinepearce.ca, www.janthornhill.com of Science The Truth about Rats ( and Dogs) I Found a Dead Bird

Johanson, Paula- Pratt Nicolson, Cynthia - Ting-Xing Ye, HIV and AIDS (Coping in a Changing www.kidscanpress.com/Canada, The Chinese Thought of It: Amazing World) The Jumbo Book of Space Inventions and Innovations

Jones, David- Richardson, Gillian - Wiese, Jim, Head to Toe Science Mighty Robots: Mechanical Marvels that www.bookcentre.ca/directory/gillian_rich- Fascinate and Frighten ardson, Kaboom! Explosions of All Kinds Willet, Edward, www.edwardwillett.com, Understanding the Kaner, Etta - Ritchie, Scot - Elements of the Periodic Table www.bookcentre.ca/directory/etta_kaner, www.scotritchie.com, Who Likes the Sun? Wilson, John, Romanek, Trudee - www.johnwilson-author.blogspot.com Kelsey, Elin - www.canscaip.org/bios/romanekt, Squirt! Dancing Elephants and Floating Continents www.elinkelseyandcompany.com , The Most Interesting Book You’ll Ever Read Watching Giants About Blood Wyatt, Valerie - www.kidscanpress.com Kyi, Tanya - Rondina, Catherine - The Math Book for Girls www.tanyalloydkyi.com, www.canscaip.org/bios/rondinacThe 10 50 Burning Questions Worst Things About the Internet, 1

Lee, Cora - Ruurs, Margriet - www.cwill.bc.ca, link to author, The Great www.margrietruurs.com Motion Mission: a surprising story of phys- Amazing Animals: The Remarkable Things ics in everyday life That Creatures Do

Levine, Shar and Leslie Johnstone - www. Sasaki. Chris - sciencelady.com www.chrissasaki.com Constellations: A The Ultimate Guide to Your Microscope Glow-in-the-Dark Guide to the Night Sky

Macleod, Elizabeth- Shell, Barry - Why Do Horses Have Manes? www.science.ca/scientists/scientistprofile, BLOG Great Canadian Scientists MacDonald, Bob - http://virtualbookmark.typepad.com/the_ www.cbc.ca/quirks, Slavin, Bill and Slavin, Jim, Transformed: virtual_bookmark/2011/06/best-canadian- childrens-science-books-and-science- Measuring the Earth With a Stick How Everyday Things are Made writers.htm

Mason, Adrienne - Spencer, Bev- www.adriennemason.com, Made in Canada-101 Amazing Robots: From Everyday to Out of This Achievements World Strauss, Rochell - McMahon, Peter- www.rochellestrauss.com, One Well Future Machines: Ultimate Trains Swanson, Diane - Miles, Victoria - www.canscaip.org/bios/swansond Animals www.magnifico-victoria-miles.blogspot. Aha!: Thrilling Discoveries in Wildlife com, Science Sea Otter Pup Tanaka, Shelley - Orenstein, Ronald- www.writersunion.ca, New Animal Discoveries Climate Change

LEVINE Practice WhatBY NICOLA You TeachKUHN

Evidence based practice: an inquiry into the of their valuable contribution to student learning (Lee, Klinger, role of teacher-librarians 2011, p.26). When administration and school boards meet to discuss by Nicola Kuhn, Teacher-librarian, tent but acquiring the skills and funding, they allocate money to Rossland Secondary School learning dispositions to “focus on programs that directly affect student knowledge construction and human learning. Teacher-librarians need to The link in my inbox takes me directly understanding through inquiry practice what they teach and use evi- to a Youtube video. A group of students based framework” (Todd, 2001, dence-based practice to provide data congregate around a computer termi- p.3). Decades of research by Carol that supports their role as central nal discussing relevant information to Kuhlthau (2007) on guided inquiry to student success. It is not enough include in the power point presenta- outlines both the cognitive and to tout research findings that dem- tion opened in Google docs. Across metacognitive dimensions of the onstrate the relationship between the room, two girls access information research process wherein “students, student success and a school library from the school’s streaming video to teachers and librar- with a trained include in their research. Preparation ians collaborate and teacher- begins for the Skype interview with work together on librarian. Nor one of the nation’s leading neurologist ideas. Students work is it enough later that day. as a community of to present A few others continue their quest to learners. The teach- circulation find reliable and relevant information ers and librarians do statistics or using the district’s database, provid- the same” (Kuhlthau, the number of ing peer-reviewed research, for their Maniotes, Caspari, collaboratively inquiry unit on diseases and infections 2007, p.5). Teacher- planned lessons for Biology 11. The parting scene is librarians play a key as evidence the teacher talking to the camera, “It’s role in such a frame- of increased almost like I have to unteach every- work by supporting student learn- thing they’ve been taught – deprogram teachers and students ing. These them. If we started teaching like this as they access and examples focus from an earlier age they would know explore a variety of on the input of how to talk to each other; they would sources and construct teacher-librari- know how to collaborate; they would new knowledge. So ans rather than know how to give feedback. They why then are teacher- on the learning would know how to learn.” (adapted librarians continu- outcomes of from “YouTube - Learning to Learn ously at risk during students. As (revised),” n.d.) budget reviews? Todd (2007) (Harada, 2006, p.25) notes, these are “tell me” examples In an age where information is rather than more powerful “show ubiquitous, educators can no longer The school libraries that seamlessly me” evidence (p. 58). By employing be the conveyors of all knowledge. integrate today’s information literacy evidence-based practice, teacher- The learning needs of our students skills with the curriculum through librarians will “move away are rapidly changing and the focus collaboration often have the most from advocating the value is no longer simply about con- difficulty providing direct evidence of school libraries and start

KUHN 1 5 documenting tangible outcomes” ity in the field of library research available in many school districts, (Todd, 2003, p.2). that focuses on demonstrating “the public libraries and university librar- unique value of school librarians ies. Evidence Based in the lives of learners” (Whelan, Practice 2010, p.32). Rutger’s Center for Once familiar with the research, International Scholarship in School teacher-librarians will need to draw

Libraries (CISSL) focuses on evi- on their professional wisdom and Simply put, evidence-based practice dence-based practice, guided inquiry judgement to mesh findings with (EBP) is using evidence as a basis and international school librarian- student learning and outcomes. “It for what we do in our libraries to is about using research evidence, coupled with professional expertise and reasoning to implement learn- ing interventions that are effective” (Todd, 2007, p.62). Reflecting upon findings will enable educators to identify learning needs of stu- dents, as well as gaps that need to be addressed. Ultimately, this type of reflective practice helps school librar- ies “actively contribute to fulfill- ing the school’s mission and goals” (Todd, 2008b, p.19). As learning leaders in their schools and districts, teacher-librarians must share the research with their colleagues to help them make informed decisions regarding curriculum instruction and student learning. improve student learning. “EBP ship with research being conducted Action Based Research combines professional wisdom, by Ross Todd and Carol Gordon. reflective experience, and under- The Center for Digital Literacy Collecting data from students to standing of students’ needs with the (CDL) examines the impact of use as evidence of and for learning judicious use of research-derived information technology and media through action based research comes evidence to make decisions about literacies. Rounding off the research, naturally when using an inquiry how the school library can best meet is Florida State’s Partnerships framework. Guided inquiry is well the instructional goals of the school” Advancing Library Media (PALM) suited for action research because (Todd, 2008a, p.38). It is suggested, with a mandate to examine the it is a process of continual assess- “evidence based practice in educa- impact of media specialists on tech- ment to determine where students tion operates at two levels. The first nology. These three are referred to as need guidance and what they have is to utilise evidence from world the “golden triangle of school library learned. Various forms of data can wide research and literature on edu- research” (Whelan, 2010, p.32) and be gathered throughout the inquiry cation; the second is to establish emphasize evidence-based practice. process. ‘Exit slips’ can be used to sound evidence, by systematically It is important for educators to determine the effectiveness of a collecting information about par- employ scientifically derived research day’s lesson. Have students write ticular phenomena. A school which in making decisions regarding best one reason why sources need to be wishes to use evidence in order to practice rather than simply relying cited or 3 ways to assess reliabil- improve practice needs to do both” on hunches or what has worked in ity of a website (Bates, McClure, (Groundwater-Smith, 2000). So the past without empirically derived Spinks, 2010). Pre and post tests where to find current research focus- evidence. It also helps to “avoid fad, can reveal how well students learn ing on the role of the teacher-librari- fancy, and personal bias” (Todd, particular skills needed for inquiry an in student learning? 2007, p.60). In addition, articles learning. By gathering meaningful discussing current research can be evidence of instructional strategies There is currently a flurry of activ- accessed through online databases and their impact on student achieve- ment, teacher-librarians will be able

KUHN 1 6 to show how their roles influence, life-long learners and must stay of the learning community (Levitov, and directly effect student learning. abreast of current research and apply 2007). Presenting data derived from Action based research is a tool for their findings to their own practice. your own school library, coupled EBP “where day-by-day professional As Todd notes, “a profession without with research from the profes- work is directed toward demonstrat- reflective practitioners willing to sional learning community, informs ing the tangible impact and out- learn about the advances in research stakeholders of the importance of comes of sound decision making and in the field is a blinkered profes- a teacher-librarian in incorporating implementation of organizational sion, one that is disconnected from information literacy skills with the goals and objectives” (Todd, 2003, best practice and best thinking, and content area curriculum. “Library p.53). one that by default often resorts to media specialists have a clear motive advocacy and position as a bid for for engaging in such practices, Action based research is a natural survival” (2007, p.65). The reflec- because they provide a mechanism fit for teacher-librarians, requiring tive nature and data derived from for improving the effectiveness of them to be directly involved in the the process will inform and improve their programs, eliminating unnec- same types of research in which stu- practice; increase collaboration; essary work, and gaining support dents are engaged (Gordon, 2007). establish the school library as central from teachers and education lead- Those who are best suited to teach to teaching for understanding by ers during a time when it is needed it to both students and teachers are more than internalizing the research process. ever” (Bates, Working with classroom teachers McClure, to design authentic learning tasks Spinks, 2010, through guided inquiry works as p.27). Teacher- a platform for EBP, creates a com- librarians can munity of learners and demonstrates be agents of how action based research can be change by used to determine the effectiveness sharing their of the collaboration. “The contri- findings with butions of the school library move administration beyond observation to powerful and colleagues evidence about its central role in the “so that they school” (Todd, 2003, p.3). will develop an understanding of the value Reflective Practice of the library media cur- Evidence based practice also encour- riculum as it ages continuous reflection and begs the questions, “What can be Nicola Kuhn, is a teacher-librarian at Rossland Secondary School, improved next time?” “What did Rossland, BC. http://www.rosslandsecondarylibrary.blogspot.com/ the students learn?” “What do they still need to understand?” The data integrating information literacy skills intersects with the school content collected through action research, with the curriculum; and develop area curricula” (Pappas, 2008, p.23). employing guided inquiry as a the disposition in students to pursue Employing an inquiry framework to framework, is ultimately used to knowledge and engage in inquiry our own professional development improve student achievement and throughout their lives. not only provides evidence of the opportunities for success. Teacher- effectiveness of the school library librarians become familiar with the Conclusion in student learning but allows the body of research surrounding the teacher-librarian to “connect the role of school libraries in student When teacher-librarians collaborate mastery of disciplinary knowledge learning and use it in practice, while with colleagues to implement inqui- with the process of critical think- the research in which they engage ry based learning, then the stage will ing” (Zmuda, Harada, 2008, p.64) demonstrates the effectiveness of be set for evidence based practice Practicing what we teach allows us collaborative guided inquiry and is and action research. EBP provides to connect with our students dur- used for continuous improvement. the vehicle for moving the school ing their inquiries and equips us to Teacher-librarians, by nature, are library program forward to a center guide them through their learning,

KUHN 1 7 while using the same information Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited. literacy skills we impart to them. Kuhlthau, C. C., Caspari, A. K., Todd, R. J. (2008a.) The Evidence- References & Maniotes, L. K. (2007). Guided Based Manifesto. School Library inquiry: learning in the 21st century. Journal, 54(4), 38. Bates, J., McClure, J., & Spinks, Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited. Todd, R. J. (2008b). A Question of A. (2010). Making the Case for Evidence. Knowledge Quest, 37(2), Evidence-Based Practice. Library Lee, E., & Klinger, D.(2011). 16-21. Media Connection, 29(1), 24. Against the Flow: A Continuum for Evaluating and Revitalizing Todd, R.J. (2008c). Building Coatney, S. (2010). The many faces School Libraries. School Libraries capacity and continuous improve- of school library leadership. Santa Worldwide, 17(1), 24-36. ment of school libraries: The Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited. Delaware experience. International Levitov, D. (2010). The school Association of School Librarianship. Gordon, C. A. (2007). The real librarian as an advocacy leader. In S. Selected Papers from the ... Annual thing: authentic teaching through Coatney (Author), The many faces Conference,1-20. action research. In S. Hughes- of school library leadership (pp. Hassell & V. H. Harada (Authors), 29-39). Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Whelan, D. (2010). Up, Up, and School reform and the school library Unlimited.Standards for the 21st- Away. School Library Journal, 56(5), media specialist (pp. 161-177). century learner in action. (2009). 32. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited. Chicago, IL: American Association of School Librarians. Zmuda, A., & Harada, V. H. Groundwater-Smith, S. (2000). (2008). Librarians as learning spe- Evidence-based practice: Towards Pappas, M. (2008). Designing cialists: meeting the learning impera- whole school improvement. Paper Learning for Evidence-Based tive for the 21st century. Westport, presented to the Annual Conference Practice. School Library Media CT: Libraries Unlimited. of the Australian Association for Activities Monthly, 24(5), 20-23 Research in Education. Sydney, Australia. Retrieved September Shareski, D. (n.d.). YouTube - Learning to Learn (revised). 27, 2003, at http://www.aare.edu. YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. au/00pap/gro00303.htm Retrieved April 20, 2011, from http://www.youtube.com/ Harada, V. H.(2006). Building watch?v=nJlfZgEhfdU Evidence Folders for Learning through Library Media Centers. Todd, R. J. (2001). “Transitions School Library Media Activities For Preferred Futures Of School Monthly, 23(3), 25-30. Libraries: Knowledge Space, Not Information Place; Connections, Harada, V., Lum, D.,& Souza, K. Not Collections; Actions, Not (2003). Building a learning commu- Positions; Evidence, Not Advocacy.” nity. Childhood Education, 79(2), International Association of School 66-71. Libraries (IASL) Conference. July 9 -12. Auckland, New Zealand. Harada, V., & Hughes-Hassell, S. (2007). facing the reform challenge: Todd, R. J. (2003). Irrefutable teacher-librarians as change agents. evidence. School Library Journal, BLOG Teacher Librarian, 35(2), 8-13. 49(4), 52-54. http://bcteacherlibrarians.ning.com/profiles/ blogs/practice-what-you-teachby Haycock, K. (2004). evidence-based Todd, R. J. (2007). Evidence-based practice. Teacher Librarian, 32(1), 6. practice and school libraries: from advocacy to action. In S. Hughes- Hughes-Hassell, S., & Harada, Hassell & V. H. Harada (Authors), V. H. (2007). School reform and School reform and the school the school library media specialist. library media specialist (pp. 57-78).

KUHN 1 8 Greetings from Shar Levine, Guest Columnist

Welcome back to a new term at school. You are probably as excited as your students are to get back to the classroom. As you begin to plan your lessons, take a moment to con- don’t change. Schools may buy new you have any doubts about the sider some new ways of looking at science books once every 10 or even information on the internet, make science, and in particular hands-on 15 years. And, don’t forget, it may certain you check with several sourc- activities. have taken several years to write the es before trying an activity. text. The science in these books may Children love science. They love to be 20 years old. Consider this: It’s really not that difficult to see how it relates to their everyday become a science cheerleader. It’s all lives. When asked how they got Fifteen years ago, there weren’t that about attitude. Science is fun and if their start, many famous scientists many people on the internet. People you can inspire children to take an say that they had science hobbies who were surfing the net used dial active interest, then the rest is easy. when they were children. Some up connections. Cell phones were It is not important that you know all had chemistry sets, microscopes, or huge and expensive. The cheapest the answers. It is important that you telescopes, many collected rocks or digital camera only took photos with help your students ask the questions stones, while others made crystal 2 mega pixels and those cameras cost and find the answers. radios. These scientists began explor- a thousand dollars. Ipods, Iphones ing, measuring, observing and cat- and Ipads had not been invented What you teach children today will egorizing when they were young. and the first hand-held video game help influence who they will be as players were just released. adults. And despite the popularity Children don’t suddenly begin to of certain books, not a single child love science when they are in univer- We have reached an age with huge will ever grow up to be a wizard or a sity. That fascination or inspiration leaps in technology that occur on vampire. can start with a teacher when they a daily basis. are in elementary school. So how do you Have teach science a great But here’s the problem: if science when you don’t spring isn’t your favourite subject, it proba- have a strong term. bly won’t be your student’s favourite background in Make sci- subject. Many educators don’t have it, the texts that ence activi- strong backgrounds in science and you are using are ties part they may feel overwhelmed when it out of date, and of your comes to teaching the subject. They you have stu- classroom feel more comfortable with language dents who may and not studies, art, geography, or history. be more internet just book Are you the kind of educator that savvy than you? work. feels that science is intimidating or How do you help Turn sci- unknown territory? create the scien- ence into tists of tomor- a “verb”. Now, let’s take a moment to consider row? Diana Bondar Studios http://diannabonder.com/ Remember: the text books you are using in your the children classroom. History doesn’t change. The internet can be your best and in grade 1 today will be employed Confederation was 1867 and WW1 sometimes your worst friend. Look as adults in professions that have ended on Nov. 11th 1918. The capi- to kid-friendly and legitimate web not yet been invented and MANY tal of Canada is Ottawa, and any sites from universities, schools and of those jobs will be in science and book that has that in it will not need science museums to help you find technology. to be replaced. A dangling participle up to date and interesting science will always be a dangling participle; activities. Check out www.science- Here are some simple things you however, science changes, and it inseconds.com for some great sci- can do in your classroom to spark an changes quickly. ence videos. Or if you have internet interest in science. access in your classroom, check out But…. And here’s the really impor- Brain Pop for fun science facts. If 1. Weather tant thing, the science text books THE BOOKMARK 1 9 ...LEVINE 4. Bird watching Accuweather (www.accuweather. 2. Make a sundial. Here’s how to create ornithologists com) Have students use a stick and rocks in your class and you won’t have to Print out the forecast for the week to create their own sundial. You can leave the school. You can have chil- and have student create a chart to even have children take turns being dren draw or you might even pho- see how closely the weather predic- a gnomon (the part of the sundial tograph the different birds that visit tion matched what temperature that sticks up) and the hour mark- your feeders. or weather conditions actually ers. Make different kinds of sundials Bird feeder – make suet feeders and occurred. Hang hang for birds, great for fall and an outdoor ther- winter. mometer by the Bird bath - make one for outdoors classroom win- by inverting a large clay pot and dow. Measure putting a large rimmed plate on top the temperature of the pot. outside each Bird identification - have a book on day, and see hand, look for footprints and docu- how often the ment what you see or use a digital predictions were camera to photograph birds in your correct. Create area. Do the kinds of birds you see a graph of the change with the season? highs and lows Have a designated ornothologist each day and each day. the time it was Bring in feathers and pictures of recorded. eggs or actual eggs to study. Roll an Scott Ritchie Illustration & Design egg and see where it goes. Test the http://scotritchie.com/html/kids/kids_39.htm Thunder and strength of eggs using 4 identical lightning activity egg cups and placing an egg in and compare the time on the sundial each one. Position the cups so that Blow up a paper bag and burst it to to the time on your watch. Don’t show how sound is made. Or when you can rest a book on top of the forget to adjust the time for longi- 4 points of the eggs. Gently put a the weather is dry, create a static tude. You can find simple directions charge by blowing up a balloon, book on the eggs, how much weight on making sundials by Googling can be put on the book before the rubbing it over the head of a child “sundials”. with dry, clean hair, and watching eggs crack? how the hair raises and sticks to the Ask children what “A.M.” and balloon. 5. Worm Composter “P.M” means. Ante Meridian Latin Do something good for the envi- = “before midday”, P.M. Post ronment and have a science lesson Use a straight sided container and Meridian Latin = “after midday” a ruler to make a rain gauge and at the same time. Make a worm measure the rainfall. Create a graph composter for the classroom and Great Canadian Scientist- Sir get rid of leftover fruit, vegetables, showing the amount of rainfall each Stanford Fleming and time zones. day. What is the difference between bread and other lunch items. Study Have children research and write worms and use the compost mixture a cm of rain and a cm of snow that a story about Sir Stanford Fleming has melted? to grow plants in the classroom. and his creation of time zones. Why Use a magnifying glass to look at the are time zones important and what segments and to watch how a worm In the winter you might want to made him create time zones? take measurements of snow and cre- breathes. ate snow gauges to measure the snow Find out if worms like fruits more 3. Biodiversity than vegetables. Place vegetables on fall. You could even melt the snow Walk out to a grassy section of the to show how some kinds of snow one side of the composter and fruit schoolyard and measure off 1 sq on the other. Which gets eaten first? have more water content than other metre. Have the children draw or kinds of snow. Put a worm on a piece of aluminum record all the different animals, foil and listen to it move. plants, or other things they see liv- Hang a picture of different types of ing in that area. Don’t forget to lift 6. Seasons clouds and see who can match the rocks. picture to the clouds in the sky. Here is something that is easy and If you have a wind vane or make one inexpensive to introduce into your Study different areas around your classroom. Start a collection related you can record which way the wind school. What different things can is blowing at the same time each day. to each season. In the fall, you find? you could create a display of leaves showing the dif-

THE BOOKMARK 2 0 ferent shapes, sizes and colors, with 1. Use a marking pen to draw a so as you can see it is very strong. If labels showing the kind of tree the circle with about a 6 inch (15 cm) you don’t pick the pumpkins their leaf came from. Each child could diameter around the stem of the flesh rots which gives the seeds lots even start their own book. If you pumpkin. Then draw shapes for the of nutrients so that new pumpkins have a digital camera, you can even eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. Don’t can grow every year. The seeds have take photos of a deciduous and forget to add scary teeth and maybe a thick outer husk that protects the a coniferous tree throughout the a scar or two if you like. delicate seed inside until it is time school year and document how the 2. When you are satisfied with your for the seeds to germinate or begin tree changes throughout the seasons. design have an adult cut around the to grow into new plants. circle you drew on a 45 degree angle 7. Surprise! to remove the top of your pumpkin. Did You Know? 3. Use your spoon to scrape the There was a Jack that gave his name And now for a special October treat. seeds and pulp out of the inside of to the Jack O’Lantern. In an old Scary Science, Scholastic Books, is the pumpkin. Put the insides of the Irish legend it was said that Stingy the latest book written by my writ- pumpkin into one bowl, and care- Jack tricked the Devil into refus- ing partner, Leslie Johnstone and fully remove the seeds to place in the ing to accept his soul when he died. me. Here is one chapter that did not other bowl. He was such a bad man that he was make it into the book because of 4. When the inside of the pumpkin also refused entrance to heaven so space. Check out this great hands- is clean and smooth have an adult he was condemned to wander the on science book when it comes out cut out the eyes, ears, nose and world until the end of time. The this fall! mouth you drew. Place a tea light Devil took pity on Jack and gave inside the pumpkin and look at it in him a burning coal in a carved out Jack O’Lantern- a dark room. Did you make it very turnip to light his way. Jack became From the original Manuscript of very scary? called Jack of the Lantern, or Jack Scary Science- Shar Levine and 5. If you like you can roast the O’Lantern. Carved pumpkins with Leslie Johnstone, Scholastic Books, pumpkin seeds. Just toss them with scary faces are supposed to scare Jack Canada, 2010 about 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of away. cooking oil and sprinkle on some Unless you are frightened by the salt. Spread the seeds on a cookie 1 idea of the tooth fairy sneaking in to sheet and have an adult cook them steal your teeth, Halloween is prob- in a hot oven (about 425 degrees ably the scariest thing that happens F) stirring them every five minutes to you each year. Have you ever until they become brown and toast- helped carve a pumpkin to make a ed. Let them cool a little then enjoy! Jack O’Lantern for Halloween? If 6. If you don’t want to cook the you have, then you have been part seeds you could try planting a few of a very old tradition. In Britain of them to grow new pumpkins. Put and Ireland lanterns were made some potting soil in a small con- when coals were placed into carved tainer with a drainage hole in the turnips. When colonists reached bottom. Poke a few holes about 1 America they began to use pump- inch (2.5 cm) deep in the dirt with kins instead, and we have been carv- your finger and place a seed in each ing them ever since. Let’s see what hole. Cover them with soil. Water makes pumpkins such a special fruit. the container a little every day and watch the seedlings appear. When You Will Need they have a few leaves on them you Washable marking pen can move them to the garden or a Pumpkin larger pot. Knife (to be handled by an adult) Metal spoon WOW! What Happened? Two bowls You made a Jack O’Lantern! Tea light (either a battery operated Pumpkins, like their cousins the zuc- one, or if the candle type have an chini are members of the cucurbita- B L O G T H I S ceae family of squashes. What makes adult light it and supervise) http://virtualbookmark.typepad.com/the_vir- Oven, cooking oil, salt, cookie sheet pumpkins so terrific for carving is tual_bookmark/2011/06/letter-childrens-writers- (optional) their size (some of them can weigh illustrators-of-bc-society-.html.html Small container with potting soil more than 1000 lbs. (450 kg)), and water (optional) and their thick orange skin. At one time the skin was cut off the fruit, What To Do pressed, and made into floor mats

LEVINE 2 1 Ken HaycockSTORYTELLING Award BYReport CHERIEE WEICHEL

By Cheriee Weichel sect in our lives; … how fairy tales that we deserved applause. ( Recipient, BCTLA Ken Haycock and folk tales can be changed and I cannot begin to reveal how much Award ) used so that teachers and children I learned. As is the way with most can explore important social issues important things, learning took Stories wished their way and aesthetic questions connected to place at multiple levels. I came to into existence as pencils literacy through fairy tales; … how understand that in as much as the scratched across paper. For storytelling is connected to critical devil may be in the details, there is Five minutes the children literacy and how storytelling can a pattern to the process. Part one wrote. Afterwards nearly help develop the critical literacy of includes improvisational story tell- every child in the room was children in all aspects of writing, ing, student writing and sharing. ready to stand up in front of reading, thinking, and speaking.” Part two is composed of reconfigur- the group to tell and retell his At times it was a real slog – four and ing the classroom, the telling of two or her story. a half hours of class a day and then contrasting versions of a tale, and another four to six hours of readings the chair story telling game, with We observers were transfixed by how after that. Rodari’s The Grammar discussions punctuating each. In quickly and seamlessly the children, of Fantasy, and Zipes’ Creative part three the students turn the three as though enchanted, were led into Storytelling: Building Community, stories from the previous section a world of risk taking and make Changing Lives, The Great Fairy into short plays. Part four consists believe. For two hours they engaged Tale Tradition: From Straparola of reconfiguring the classroom and a unabashedly in storytelling, drama, and Basile to the Brothers Grimm, final writing game with more shar- discussion, writing, and sharing. In and Speaking Out: Storytelling and ing. At times theater games may the midst of this enchanted space Creative Drama for Children satu- be used to teach specific skills, build they made astute connections from rated our poor brains with a surfeit background knowledge, or further the story of Little Red Riding Hood of questions and possibilities. engage the students in the stories. to their own lives and that of the Our class was split into cooperative Each session begins with a fantastic roles of women and girls. groups. Each group met to discuss binomial (or other writing game The pied piper leading us into the readings and big ideas connected from Rodari.) The storyteller tells a this magical kingdom where any- to the course. Each was responsible story (with student input) from the thing was possible was Jack Zipes. for taking a group of Grade Five list of generated words. Students Jack was visiting Vancouver from summer school students through the then write their own stories and are Minneapolis and luckily for me, process. invited to share their work. They worked with a class of grade five My group, “Lost in Academia,” was might be asked to put the paper on students at Charles Dickens School scheduled to go first. The original the floor and retell the story from where I am teacher-librarian. When Grimm version of Hansel and Gretel another point of view, or add more he explained how fairy tales and sto- and Rodari’s counter version “Nino details about setting or character or ries could be used to empower chil- and Nina” were our assigned texts. whatever the writing goal for the day dren in this way, I wanted to know We had in-class time to plan and might be. more. organize ourselves, but spent much At this point the classroom is trans- Maybe it was that the stars aligned, time outside contemplating how our formed. (The movement of the perhaps some fairy dust was sprin- social, literary, and theatrical goals desks or tables to the side of the kled in our path, perhaps it was just could be seamlessly embedded into room to create a new empty space serious planning and scheming – but the process (as well as practicing our signifies a transformation in the on July 10th, my friend, Annie, and storytelling and keeping on top of space from classroom to a world of I arrived in Minneapolis for two our reading.) In spite of the fact enchantment owned by the chil- weeks to take a summer course with that we were prepared, and the stu- dren.) At this time two different Jack before he retired. dents were kind and open to a new versions of the same story are told. Officially the course was titled experience, it was still nerve racking Each is followed by questions from Storytelling, Critical Literacy, and to be working with a group of new the storyteller and/or the children. Creative Drama, but unofficially students with a collection of adults The juxtaposition of two contrary became Storytelling as a Subversive at the back observing us. Thank stories is critical to enable students Activity. The syllabus encompassed goodness, we not only survived, but to examine the role and such academic topics as: “the devel- at the end of our session one of the impact of the tales on their opment of the oral folk tale and lovely rabble rousing boys told us lives. Next comes the chair literary fairy tale and how they inter- WEICHEL 2 2 game. A group of students sits fac- Once a week a teaching artist works America. At the nearby coffee shop ing the rest of the group. The first with the classroom teacher and his/ I was delighted to find hard cop- sentence or two of a story is told to her group of students. It requires ies of The Onion to read and bring the first child. He or she repeats the commitment by these teachers home as presents for my family. story and adds a sentence or two. who meet with the teaching artist Then the next person retells the once a week for an hour out side We were surrounded by fascinat- story and adds his or her bit. This of class time to plan together how ing companions. At the house continues until the person at the end to best integrate the process into where we stayed we met students finishes the story. Again there is a classroom curriculum. In addition, from all over the world – England, time for questions and comments. there are numerous other meetings Taiwan, India, Brazil, Victoria, and with parents and program lead- even Minneapolis! (They were all Next, established groups of students ers. Throughout the year children impressed that there was an actual set off to turn these three stories into are exposed to different variations course in fairytales and storytelling plays. They are given permission to of fairytales, legends, trickster and at the university and that we had change their story in any way they tall tales, and myths. At least one come all the way from Vancouver, wish. After five or six minutes of of their stories will be included in a Canada to take it.) Our classmates rehearsal the group comes together class anthology. They participate in came from as far away as England. and the skits are performed. Each writing and producing a couple of We were a motley crew of under- performance is followed by time plays; one is presented at the school grads, graduate and post doctoral for discussion. We were constantly level, the other at a childrens’ theater students. We were professional amazed at how evidence of criti- company. The process of communi- storytellers, teachers and actors all cal thinking was revealed in these ty building and making connections thrown together. As is the way with plays. Questions that seemed to go across communities is an embedded such a diverse group, we learned nowhere in the discussions following integral part of the program. as much from each other as we did the storytelling remerged and reso- The Neighborhood Bridges from our professors. nated with possibility here. Program continues to grow and As we look toward the future, Annie Following the performances the receive funding because it is suc- and I are excited about bringing a classroom is reconfigured. Another cessful. Working only in inner city version of this program into our writing activity ensues followed schools, students from the class- school this coming year. Our pri- with more sharing and retelling rooms where the program has been mary goal is to begin working with by students. At times throughout implemented consistently score as a few classes focusing on the basic the process theater games may be high if not higher than students in process I have outlined here - incor- used to teach specific skills, build more prestigious areas on state writ- porating Canadian versions of the background knowledge, or further ing tests. Additional evaluations of tales and stories that represent our engage the students in the stories. the program by the University of student population as much as is At the end of the session the chil- Minneapolis show that students are possible. We plan to do some infor- dren are left with two stories to work engaged in different levels of critical mal writing assessments to compare on. Classroom teachers are expected thinking throughout the sessions. students we work with to other to help the students develop them Minneapolis is a marvelous city. It children in the same age group at until the storyteller returns the fol- abounds with lakes and green areas our school to see how effective the lowing week and two more are gen- as well as numerous cultural spaces. program might be here. Eventually erated. We visited the Walker Museum and we hope to get funding in place to The specificity of the details the famous Guthrie Theater - a place bring in artists out side the school throughout the process cannot be of pride recommended by many system and establish a program simi- understated. The category of nouns locals. We spent hours walking the lar to Neighborhood Bridges here in that are generated, the language tree-lined streets of Dinkytown, a Vancouver. used as stories are told, the questions community of picturesque, if slight- posed and the interspersed theater ly shabby, older homes and apart- My thanks to Laurie Scholfield, games become an invisible thread ment buildings where we stayed near Randy Rotheisler, and Allyn sewing everything together. Stitch the university. The campus, situated Shellshear who were kind enough to by stitch they enable the creation of in park like settings, inhabited by read this and give me some advice a safe fantasy world where imagina- majestic historic buildings, straddles on my writing. tion rules, yet at the same time sup- the Mississippi river. As the famous –Cheriee Weichel ports academic growth and enables river wends its way through the 1 a critical stance on the world outside urban setting, numerous bridges - BLOG THIS this space. many just for pedestrians and bikers, In Minneapolis and in many other crisscross it. Of course we found http://bcteacherlibrarians.ning.com/profiles/ cities in the US, this process takes some time for shopping. Friends blogs/storytelling-by-cheriee place under the auspices of the took us for a very short (thank Neighborhood Bridges Program. goodness) excursion to the Mall of

WEICHEL 2 3 BCTLAJEFF YASINCHUK Grant ANDReport JANINE CORNWALLIS-BATE

Elluminate Project Report by Jeff Yasinchuk, and Janine http://sd8teacherlibrarians.ning.com Cornwallis-Bate. SD8 collected and teacher-librarians He invites you to join the discus- were introduced to the project. We sion! Our presentation was very well In the spring of 2009, had one face-to-face session where received by the trustees, and topics teacher-librarians were trained to use stemming from the meeting centred Jeff Yasinchuk and Elluminate by our district technol- on the use of technology and new Janene Cornwallis- ogy support teacher. We held three learning tools available to learners. meetings throughout the year with This year we are going to continue Bate wrote a propos- participation from teacher-librarians to meet using Elluminate and Ms. al for a grant from one time change, one mountain pass West has structures in place to col- and one 40-minute ferry ride away. lect usage statistics. We believe the BCTLA. Our goal has been to keep the meet- these statistics are key in driving ings short and interactive and yet home the importance of the library We requested $4000.00 to help us to provide time for people to talk to the school. We foresee using the better utilize the Elluminate pro- if they wanted to. We recorded the statistics to show how important the gram provided free to BC educators meetings and made the link available services we provide are to students to communicate and advocate in our to the TLs. and staff. One of the main features geographically challenging district. of our project is to continue to As part of our advocacy project, focus on positive, welcoming and Our idea was to learn to use we presented our project during a interactive communication with Elluminate, have our local teacher- trustee meeting. During the presen- teacher-librarians in our district. We librarian meetings via this program tation, Janene and Jeff introduced believe that their role in the school as well as to travel to each school the project then Jeff left the room is important, even if they only get meeting with the teacher-librarian to conduct the session from another 30 minutes of library time per week, and show them how to collect room. Ms. West signed in as a par- as some of them do. We want the monthly usage statistics using their ticipant from her office in another teacher-librarians to believe in the computerized cataloguing program. building. One discussion point was value of their positions, no matter Because we misread the application, on the value of having a teacher- what. we applied for the amount allocated librarian available in the school to for the entire province. Luckily, the discuss book purchase decisions. Jeff We are currently planning our pre- BCTLA believed so sentation for the October, 2010 strongly in the pro- Kelowna TL conference where we gram, they gave us hope to inspire and link our work half of the allocated with others who have the same amount and the needs and issues. two BCTF locals also contributed For more details about our project or money to this proj- how to use digital meeting resources ect based on advo- like NING and Elluminate, feel free cacy by our district to contact Jeff at librarian, Wendy [email protected]. West. We felt 1 very humbled and BLOG THIS strove to spend the also introduced his NING money as efficiently as possible. Jeff ( http://www.sd8teacherlibrarians.ning.com ) http://bcteacherlibrarians.ning.com/profiles/ coined the term “Active Advocacy” ; another tool to support and advo- blogs/elluminate-project-report-by to describe our project. cate for teacher-librarians. Jeff currently has over 30 members for During the school year good prog- his NING, including several from ress was made. As part of Ms. out-of-district and out-of-province. West’s annual visit, statistics were

YASINCHUK-BATE 1 6 Join DEAR this year ...

British Columbia Teacher-Librarians’ Association Celebrates Canadian National School Library Day with Drop Everything and Read 2011!

For Immediate Release Ministry of Education, British Columbia Media Outlets Nelson, BC--

In conjunction with Canadian National School Library Day on Monday, October 25th, the British Columbia Teacher-Librarians’ Association (BCLTA) sponsored its fourth annual province-wide DROP EVERYTHING AND READ (DEAR) event. With over 65 000 students and nearly 19 000 teachers, parents, and school volunteers participating this year, DEAR has become a regular celebration of lit- eracy in the province. The (former) Minister of Education, Margaret MacDiarmid, issued and official press release indicating public support of literacy, school libraries, teacher-librarians, and the impor- tance of reading. The BCTLA will continue to lobby the BC liberal government, local members of the legislative assem- bly, and the new Minister of Education, to have the fourth Monday of every October recognized as BC School Library Day. The group also plans to continue its outreach work by connecting with parent groups around the province including local DPACs (District Parent Advisory Committees) and the provincial association, BCCPAC. In the future, the BCTLA hopes to bring Drop Everything and Read to country-wide event high- lighting the importance national literacy. For all the details about DEAR 2010, visit their blog at http://bctladear.blogspot.com. You can also follow the group on Twitter @BCTLA_DEAR and find them on Facebook, too. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=163360659697

Jeff Yasinchuk VP Advocacy British Columbia Teacher-Librarians’ Association [email protected] http://bctladear.blogspot.com Twitter: @BCTLA_DEAR http://bcteacherlibrarians.ning.com/profiles/blogs/join-dear-this-yea-r-bctla

25 Helping Schools Enhance the Health Literacy of BC’s Youth and Rethink Their Approach to Drug Education by Cindy Andrew helps students strengthen their What makes this resource understanding of the literary forms unique? The Centre for of short story and parallel poem, while exploring contemporary issues Educating our school-aged children Addictions surrounding the use of alcohol and Research of BC has devel- oped Helping Schools to help schools and their partners under- other drugs. Through the content to embrace their health involves stand and address of the stories, and by working col- much more than teaching them laboratively to generate ideas and not to use drugs. Rather than fol- the range of multi- compare and contrast experiences, low the traditional approach, which level factors that students develop empathy for oth- focuses almost exclusively on how an ers while learning to think critically individual’s choices and behaviours influence students’ about personal choices they make. may impact on their health and physical and mental well-being, this resource puts much Based on the pilot phase, of its focus on the complex network health, including their here’s why teachers like of social and environmental factors choices and behav- iMinds: that influence health, particularly in the area of drug-related choices and iours related to using behaviours. alcohol and other ◊ It responds to the real- world needs of teachers while For more information about drugs. A key element providing quality, theory-based Helping Schools and iMinds, visit of Helping Schools resources that meet PLOs with- www.carbc.ca or contact Cindy in the BC curriculum Andrew, Helping Schools Program is the iMinds learn- Consultant, at [email protected]. ing resource which ◊ Teachers are not required to be “experts” on 1 has been developed substance use or mental health BLOG to support the class- ◊ It includes everything http://bcteacherlibrarians.ning.com/profiles/ room related efforts they need including lesson blogs/helping-schools-enhance-health of teachers of grade plans, masters and rubrics, and 6 through 10. is free of charge ◊ Its con- Each iMinds unit addresses structivist multiple prescribed learning approach objectives including English. really For example, the grade 9 unit fea- worked tures the use of Deborah Ellis’ Lunch well in with Lenin and Other Stories (avail- engag- able from Fitzhenry & Whiteside ing students in a meaningful or on loan from the Centre for Addictions Research of BC) and way.

ANDREW 2 6 Study BYCentre DR. A.K. to SHENTONDedicated Library

FROM STUDY CENTRE TO support of personal interests. The room High School, non-fiction books in The DEDICATED LIBRARY: housed several thousands of books in Study Centre were arranged in broad AN ENGLISH EXPERIENCE addition to over eighty networked com- subject groups. This was intended to By Dr. Andrew K. Shenton puters, yet the former always appeared facilitate ease of retrieval but in practice to attract very limited attention. The there were too many volumes that did Monkseaton High, situated ICT workstations, meanwhile, seldom not fit comfortably into any given cat- on the north-east coast of went unoccupied. Throughout the egory and the form of organisation in England, is no ordinary sub- working day, they would be used by operation provided inadequate training urban secondary school. On classes, and students would enter in for the students to use libraries of other the contrary, it is frequently droves to exploit them under a casual types. It was also difficult for young- described as “forward-looking”, access arrangement before and after sters unfamiliar with the layout of the “pioneering”, “innovative” or school and during break and lunch book stock to navigate to the section even “revolutionary”. I have times. that they wanted. Thus, David and I worked in the organisation for Although some of my duties related to reclassified all the “information books” some six and a half years now, the whole area, I benefited significantly according to the Dewey Decimal and, thanks to the vision of the from the flexible leadership provided Classification Scheme and created a Headteacher, Dr. Paul Kelley, by the Study Centre Manager, Diane detailed subject index. the school has in this time Bondi, who gave me particular respon- introduced various ground- sibility for the library element. In this We changed the way in which fiction breaking initiatives that have capacity, I worked in concert with the books were organised, too. Originally, made headlines in the local Library Assistant, David Johnson, who these were ordered in a single A to Z and national press alike. Each sequence of these could easily form an by author article in itself. Here, however, surname. I will restrict myself to covering However, my own work and the nature of after notic- the school’s library/resources ing the areas. frequency with which Phase One: 2004-2009 we were asked for After being appointed to the staff as books with a Curriculum and Resource Support a certain Officer in August 2004, I found myself theme, based in a spectacular glass pyramid David and structure known, almost universally, I replaced as “The Study Centre”, which served this as a combined library and ICT area. arrange- Frequently described as the “hub of ment with the school” by senior staff when giv- a category- ing tours of the premises to prospective based students, The Study Centre formed a method. resource open to all members of the held a City and Guilds Qualification in Rather organisation. Located at the heart of library practice. David and I instituted than impose a set of predetermined the school geographically, it formed a a number of significant changes in the genres, we developed headings from the natural venue for students wishing to five years in which we were employed individual volumes on the basis of their work, socialise, play computer games, together. content and, in defining the e-mail friends or pursue information in When I joined Monkseaton scope of the emerging groups,

SHENTON 2 7 paid special attention to the fiction ticular volume, usually via a review. apparent that our 1970s buildings were queries that had been presented to us in Where possible, we selected the book inadequate for the needs of a modern, recent months. This system of “reactive carefully to link with a prominent news twenty-first century school. Corridor classification” has attracted considerable story or a dramatised production cur- space was at a premium, roofs leaked attention beyond the school and led to rently appearing in the cinema or on and the overall appearance was hardly the publication of a paper that has been television. It was important, too, to inspiring for learners. The premises translated into Italian. We felt vindi- bestow an emphasis on books in other drew criticism in an otherwise largely cated in making the change when, in a dimensions of school life. When we positive report by inspectors, who vis- survey undertaken some months after introduced a new system of rewards for ited the school in December 2008. By the innovation, nearly 40% of student students, which involved exchanging then, however, the decision had already respondents indicated that they pre- points they had received from teach- been taken to move the school into a ferred a category-by-category arrange- ers for various goods or services, it was new, more suitable building, whose ment, whilst construction would cost around £20 only 27% million. Whilst the premises were still claimed to being designed, I was asked by the favour the Head teacher to provide various docu- old, A to Z ments for consultation. Two of the most by author important were those in which I set approach. down my vision for a library in the new User- building and my perspective on how friendliness independent learning could be fostered in the envi- across the school. When the premises ronment was opened in September 2009, the library enhanced would take a very different form from with the previously. On this occasion, it was a introduction much more traditional area for reading of improved and studying. There were no computers signage to detract from the books and, as well and shelf as being used for its primary purposes, labelling, this “Reading Room” became a popular and a new venue for teachers wanting to mark suggestions work or undertake one-to-one tasks system gave with students. the students greater ownership of the ensured that one of the items offered Establishing such an area from resource. David and I were nonetheless took the form of a voucher for a local scratch was far from easy, however. I concerned that, since our overall num- bookshop. brought with me much of the best book ber of borrowers was still by no means By no means all my work in The stock from The Study Centre but the staggeringly high, issue figures – one of Study Centre related to books, how- new space also had to accommodate the conventional library performance ever. On many occasions I helped the material donated by the mentoring measures – painted only a moderate Head teacher with his own research, team and the English, PE and Music picture of the value of our resource. and, as I was based in an environment Departments, as well as collections We thus devised a more qualitative where ICT provision was important associated with two of the school’s flag- evaluation method that emphasised the and I found myself witnessing from a ship projects, which involved, respec- importance of the service to our regular detached perspective various lessons tively, studying for Open University users and, in particular, conveyed to taking place in computer zones within Foundation degrees in schools and two scrutineers some impression of the dif- The Study Centre, I was asked to serve of our staff teaching foreign languages ference that the library made to the life on a school working party that identi- in local primary schools. Integrating of these individuals. fied good practice in ICT teaching and such a diverse stock to form a cohesive Many of our other innovations related safe use of the Internet. The result was whole taxed my linguistic abilities when to promotion and awareness-raising. a set of guidelines for teachers. My col- writing a policy statement for the new With help from a capable ICT techni- leagues in the group were the Network Reading Room! In addition, all the cian, Andrew Johnson, who would Manager, the Deputy Head teacher, an material had to be classified and cata- later become the Network Manager, Assistant Head teacher and the Head of logued. I was persuaded by the school’s we created a section for the library ICT so I felt that the invitation I had Network Manager that a database, con- on the school’s intranet. Book-related been given to take part itself amounted structed in-house via Microsoft Access, competitions and weekly displays, each to a personal vote of confidence from would be able to deliver all the func- showing the work of a different writer, the school’s senior management. tionality I required and could be specifi- became a feature of the collaborative cally tailored to my needs. I, work of David and me. In addition, Phase Two: 2009- myself, was in no doubt as to again each week, we publicised a par- With time, it became increasingly the queries, forms and reports

SHENTON 2 8 that were necessary and the specifics have been able to offer Sixth Form teach- of creating the database were handled ers books of help to them in developing a by the school’s technicians. We were new course in critical thinking. also able to mount the catalogue on to Microsoft SharePoint so that it could be Final Thoughts accessed by all students from any net- At a time when many schools in Britain worked computer in the school. are dismantling or at least downsizing I N T E R A C T I V E I introduced another new ini- their libraries, I count myself fortunate to CORNER tiative, Open Books@Monkseaton, at have moved into a new building at work the instigation of the Head teacher and that includes a dedicated space for read- targeted staff initially. Over time, it was ing and studying. My own perspective widened to include the student com- has been broadened appreciably through munity. In the first instance, though, it seeing two very different models of infor- BIT TORRENT was staff members who were encour- mation provision – an integrated indepen- aged to bring to school books from dent learning area and a more traditional home that were no longer needed. All book room, and I have no doubt ben- donations were left at a central point, efited from seeing the strengths and weak- with staff invited to take any book that nesses of their respective characteristics in aroused their interest. After reading it, practice. During my time at Monkseaton, they could choose to return the item, the school has been at the forefront of keep it or pass it to another individual much of the more radical thinking in whom they felt would appreciate it. The British education. I look forward to play- recycling scheme was partly the result ing a role in the initiatives still to come. http://www.youtube.com/embed/ of environmental concerns and, in NYTvTPrgSiM particular, my Head teacher’s discovery Dr. Andrew K. that a 500-page paperback accounts for Shenton is a around 2.5 kilograms of carbon dioxide former Lecturer emissions per copy. in the School One of the most rewarding of Computing, aspects of my work lies in helping stu- Engineering BitTorrent is one of the dents at very different stages in their and Information most-used, but least under- development. Over recent months, I Sciences, stood technologies on the have run sessions for high achieving Northumbria web. This video explains Sixth Formers tackling Extended Project University. He how it enables the fast- Qualifications, whilst also providing has had well over a hundred papers est file downloads from the material for younger students who have published in the USA, Canada, Italy Internet yet to master even the rudiments of and his native Britain. They have •How files are shared on reading. In the latter situation, much been widely cited in books, periodical the web and what makes depends on being able to match the articles, conference papers, reports, BitTorrent different right book to the right student, given dissertations and student seminar pre- •The BitTorrent application the particular personal interests and sentations, as well as forming recom- and how it’s used ability level of the learner involved. mended reading for many university •How trackers, peers and On occasion, however, it is possible courses. Dually qualified in education hosts work together to deliv- to design individual materials that are and information science, Andrew cur- er “pieces” of files of benefit to students of a tremendous rently divides his time between writ- •How anyone can use range of age and ability. A guide to ing, mentoring higher degree students BitTorrent to share or down- finding and using information that I and working in the Reading Room of load files intended for Year Nine students (i.e. Monkseaton High School in the United thirteen- to fourteen-year-olds) new Kingdom. http://www.commoncraft.com/bittor- to the school provides a case in point. 1 rent-video Some weeks after its dissemination, I was surprised and delighted when BLOG Category: Education I learnt from an English teacher that Tags: she had used some of the content with http://bcteacherlibrarians.ning.com/pro- commoncraft torrent BitTorrent plainenglish community her Sixth Form group. I also acquire files/blogs/study-centre-to-dedicated for staff material that may otherwise be unavailable to them. I have, for example, exploited my continuing links with Northumbria University to obtain journal articles for my Head teacher and

SHENTON 2 9 Margriet: What kind of role have libraries played in your life? Michael Author KusugakInterview By Margriet Ruurs Michael: Libraries have been wonderful. They offer the greatest venue I was spend- Margriet: Recently you moved to BC. How because they not only invite whole school ing a week in do you like it here? Is it hard for you to classes but, because they are Rankin Inlet, adjust to life in the south? public, many adults and people come. In Nunavut to Medicine Hat, Alberta, the library adver- tised my reading in the local paper a week conduct read- Michael: Yes, we now live on Vancouver Island. The summers are nice but it rains before I came and put another ad in on the ings in the day of my reading. Over 250 people came. local school all the time in winter. There are too many trees. I get claustrophobic. But I will be It was incredible. I have had some really big for Canadian fine as soon as I have a boat. Soon. I can’t audiences in libraries all over the Children’s wait to fish. The people are nice and I am country. Book Week. adjusting nicely. But I love it back home, Local author, and Canadian icon, the wide open spaces, the cold clear weather Margriet: Which is your latest title? Are you Michael Kusugak picked me up for a and the food. I spend a lot of time up there working on a new book? tour on his beloved tundra. He handed anyway so I am fine. I love going out on my Michael: My latest book is THE me a huge down jacket and told me to snowmobile on a beautiful day whether it is 10 below or 40 below. I love to chisel my LITTLEST SLED DOG, published by climb on the back of his snowmobile. Orca. I am working on the next Marble For several hours we jarred and bumped way through 8 feet of ice to fish in the lakes. But here, I can wear shorts and sandals and Island story, a sequel to THE CURSE OF over the frozen, rocky tundra, spotted a summer coat all year long and the food is THE SHAMAN an ABC book about the 3 molting ptarmigan and marveled at really cheap. No $8.00 for 2 litres of orange territories and another book about my little the haunting beauty of this wilderness. juice, no $16.00 jugs of milk, no $104.00 dog. Now Michael has traded in the land of turkeys. And it does not cost $3,000.00 his childhood for a milder, southern cli- every time I fly out and back again. Margriet: What are you currently reading? mate. He recently moved to Vancouver Island. I was curious about this transi- Margriet: You visit many schools. What do Michael: I keep buying second hand books. tion and asked him some questions: you generally do during an author visit? I am rereading HUCKLEBERRY FINN. But I also read books I can discard like THE Margriet: You grew up and lived most of LOST SYMBOL by Dan your life in Nunavut. How did your cultural Brown on background contribute to your life as a sto- airplanes. I am also read- ryteller? ing a new translation of LES MISERABLES. Michael: It was in the mid-80s, when my Michael Kusugak might boys were little, that I realized there was not take me on any more nothing to read to them that had any rel- snowmobile rides, but I’m evance to where we lived. Not only that waiting for an invitation but there were hardly any Canadian chil- to go fishing - just so I dren’s books. So, one day, I told them a can listen to more of his story. That story became A PROMISE IS stories.1 A PROMISE with a little tinkering from Robert Munsch. And then, I realized there was all this culture that I grew up with that was being upstaged by TV, a culture rich in For more information on real life lessons that were buried in wonder- Michael: I talk about what it was like to Michael Kusugak, his books and his school ful stories. travel by dog sled, to live in igloos and to visits, see: listen to all those wonderful stories my http://michaelkusugak.com/wordpress/?page_id=4 Margriet: Tell us how you became a pub- grandmother used to tell me. I talk about or [email protected] lished author. Inuit: we live in Siberia, Alaska, northern Margriet Ruurs is the BC based chil- Canada and Greenland. We all dren’s writer of 27 books. Her newest Michael: I learned English in school. We speak Inuktitut and we share the same sto- title is AMAZING ANIMALS (Tundra). Her studied grammar. We studied ries that have been passed down to us over website is: http://www.margrietruurs.com literature. We studied poetry. I loved it. I thousands of years. I talk about my books, read and read and wrote essays, where the inspiration comes from and I play short stories and poetry in school. My first with toys (a bone toy and a piece of string). BLOG published stories and poetry Once in Winnipeg, a couple of little boys started arguing, “That string is not magic!” http://bcteacherlibrarians.ning.com/profiles/ were in my high school yearbook in blogs/interviewmichael-kusugak-with Saskatoon. So I have always loved to write “Yes it is magic!” “Not!” This went on until and tell stories. the dissenter finally agreed the string was truly magic.

RUURS 3 0 Inquiry-basedfor Classroom Learning and School Libraries | 8-12 Benchmarks •Middle/ Junior Secondary Subject Integration The BCTLA has developed Planning and published a scholarly Sheet document that supports per- •Intermediate sonalized learning and con- (Gr 4-7) cepts central to the Collaborative 21st C Learner. Planning Be sure to visit online to download Sheet the paper and the wealth of sup- •Intermediate port documents and templates (Gr 4-7) provided. Information Literacy Elementary Resources Program Planning •Elementary Planning Package Sheet •Elementary School Planning Sheet •Blank •Primary: Subject •K-3 Benchmarks Integration •Primary Subject Integration Planning Planning Sheet Sheet •Primary Collaborative Planning •Inquiry Sheet Questions •Primary Information Literacy Wiki (Langley Program Planning Sheet Teacher- Julie •Intermediate: Librarians) •K-3 Benchmarks | 4-7 Benchmarks Robinson (West Vancouver), •Intermediate Subject Integration Lynn Turner (Terrace) working with Heather Daly (Library and Planning Sheet Secondary Resources •Intermediate (Gr 4-7) Information Coordinator, Coquitlam; President, BCTLA) and Collaborative Planning Sheet •Secondary Planning Package •Intermediate (Gr 4-7) Information Moira Ekdahl (Teacher-Librarian •Secondary School Planning Sheet Mentor, Vancouver; Liaison Chair, Literacy Program Planning Sheet •K-3 Benchmarks | 4-7 Benchmarks •Blank Subject Integration Planning BCTLA). | 8-12 Benchmarks Adapted, with permission, from arti- Sheet •Secondary Subject Integration •Inquiry-Based Learning and the cle by Barbara Stripling, Director, Planning Sheet NYC School Libraries: “Using Development of Self Regulation •Secondary Collaborative Planning video Inquiry to Explode Sheet Myths about Learning and Libraries” •Inquiry Questions Wiki (Langley •Secondary Information Literacy Teacher-Librarians) in CSLA JOURNAL ( 28:1. Fall Program Planning Sheet 2004. 15-17). Middle/Junior Secondary Resources •Blank Subject Integration Planning BLOG THIS: Sheet •Middle/Junior Secondary Planning •Inquiry Questions Wiki (Langley http://bcteacherlibrarians.ning.com/profiles/ Package Teacher-Librarians) blogs/inquiry-based-learning-for •Middle/Junior Secondary School Planning Sheet With thanks to teacher-librarians •K-3 Benchmarks | 4-7 Benchmarks Michele Farquharson (Vancouver), http://bctf.ca/bctla/pub/index.html#points 31 Professional DevelopmentOPPORTUNITIES

The Burnaby Teacher-Librarians’ Association hosts the B.C.T.L.A. Provincial Conference October 22, 2011.

http://sites.google.com/site/btla2011/

Burnaby 2011 will offer a vital and fresh program of: keynote speakers, plenary sessions and firstclass hospitality.

Tweet PD HOT PICKS from @BCTLA

The BCTLA encourages members to utilize the Twitter network to engage in the most current professional dia- logue around. Discover terrific support, blog authors and fellow colleagues Follow experts as little or as frequent as you desire. Look for hashtags like #bced to acquire new ideas or sources concerning Education in BC. Follow us at : http://twitter.com/#!/bctla

http://cultureofyes.ca/2011/05/23/my-take-on-librarians/ http://www.slideshare.net/chrkennedy http://twitter.com/#!/sljournal http://twitter.com/#!/LMC_Magazine http://theunquietlibrarian.wordpress.com/ http://twitter.com/#!/buffyjhamilton http://twitter.com/#!/tlspecial http://twitter.com/#!/bctla/bc-school-libraries http://twitter.com/#!/bctla/bctla-members

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 3 2 ContributorsJOHN GOLDSMITH New on the Net NEW ON THE NET that is bringing, radio, television and Clickweb John Goldsmith the internet ever closer. Providing http://www.crickweb.co.uk/ E-mail: [email protected] resources for students and teachers Clickweb is another British site Blog: http://www.detools.ca continues to be critical to the work with a wealth of primary resources of BBC Learning, with Bite size including 206 free educational inter- ART Open Studio http://blogs.getty.edu/ openstudio/ The Open Studio Project was conceived by Los Angeles artist Mark Bradford, and is the inau- gural effort of the Getty Artists Program, an exten- sion of the Museum’s education department. The Open Studio Project makes it possible for more schools to have an artist- in-residence, virtually. Any K-12 art classroom with an Internet connection can bring in art-making activities created by a ros- ter of international artists. (Linda Hof: Webbits)

EDUCATION the key offering for young people active resources for primary schools, alongside sites for teachers, parents 30 free to use fun games for kids BBC Learning and adult learners. But increasingly aged 4 – 11 and 120 plus links to http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/ we are drawing on the BBC’s best- free interactive, image and software The aim of BBC Learning is to work known talent to enrich online con- resources. with some of the BBC’s best known tent and provide a bridge to main- programs and brands to maximize stream programs. (JDG: Diigo) Ide@s: A database of resources by their learning value and take advan- Wisconsin teachers. tage of the revolution in technology http://www.educationworld.

GOLDSMITH 3 3 com/awards/2008/r0208-08.shtml University of California Libraries, This is a great starting point for Progressive Phonics the Internet Archive has created teachers looking for classroom lesson http://www.progressivephonics.com/ this trove of digitized children’s plans or other curriculum materials Progressive Phonics is an all-in-one books. Currently, there are over and resources. Grade levels include reading program that is easy, fun, 2,700 books available here and they pre-kindergarten through adult/con- and totally free. The purpose of include works like “Infant’s cabinet tinuing education. the site is to assist of birds & beasts” from 1820 and There are twenty- anyone; parent, “What the Moon Saw: And Other five subject areas teacher, volunteer Tales” from 1866. Visitors are also including everything in teaching a child welcome to receive updates from from agriculture to read and write in their forum here, and they can also and dance to special education and just a few minutes a day. The site has chime in with their own questions. theatre with each having several sub- downloadable book, which can be (Linda Hof: Webbits) categories. The Videoide@s section read online or printed, plus match- offers more than 160 videos on such ing handwriting worksheets and Knoword topics as acid rain, the Bernoulli activity sheets for each book. (JDG: http://knoword.org/ effect, carbon dioxide, circuits, Diigo) Knoword is a game of quick think- pendulums and more. (Education ing, smart decisions and great words. World Newsletter) Teachers on Target Players begin with one randomly Kids Know it Network http://www.teachersontarget.com/ generated dictionary definition http://www.kidsknowit.com index.htm along with the first letter of its cor- This is another omnibus education Teachers on Target contains a wealth responding word. From that, they sites that seem to have something on of free professional development must fill in the rest of the word to everything such as animals, astron- activities and strategies. The con- experience a gain in points and an omy, biology, chemistry, geography, tent is grouped into four categories: added time bonus. Players will start history, spelling and more. There are Professional Development Activities, off with one minute before the game games, video clips and lots of edu- Classroom Activities, Activities ends, and every word is an opportu- cational resources. The site seems for Administrators, and Collegial nity to extend their time. If players appropriate for elementary aged stu- Circles. Professional development get stuck on a word, they can hit the dents. (JDG: Diigo) activities include a wide range of skip button and a new puzzle will topics such as classroom manage- present itself. (JDG: Diigo) Moviesheets.Com ment, discipline, planning, knowl- Young Adult Book Central http://moviesheets.com/index.php edge building, professional strengths http://www.yabookscentral.com/ This site contains a multitude if and others. Each topic includes a According to the web site, Young worksheets created by educators that collection of activities that teach- Adult Book Central is, first and center on a particular Hollywood ers can use in a variety of ways to foremost, a place for people who film. The point is to use the film as improve teaching competence, build love books. Founded in 1998 by an innovative way to demonstrate collegiality, and better understand (now author) Kimberly Pauley as a various concepts and expose com- the art of teaching. Classroom activi- basic stopover for people looking for mon misconceptions while provid- ties include a host of strategies that information on young adult books, ing a thought provoking change of can be used in any classroom to it has since evolved into one of the pace for students. (JDG: Diigo) keep students engaged in learning. largest sites targeted towards tween (Education World Site Reviews) and teen readers. You can find book Key Seeker reviews, author interviews & bios, http://www.annrymer.com/keyseeker/ ENGLISH press releases, industry news and Key Seeker is a free, online, interac- Children’s Library much more on both children’s and tive learning tool to help kinder- http://www.archive.org/details/iacl YA books. The site is constantly garten-aged children recognize the evolving and being added to, so stop letters of the keyboard and use the Drawing on materials from the New by frequently. (Education World Site correct hand to strike the key. (JDG: York Public Library, the National Reviews) Diigo) Yiddish Book Center, and the

GOLDSMITH 3 4 Silly Books the Rijksmuseum” link. Once there, is the free online math tool, Math http://www.sillybooks.net/default. visitors can view the Masterpieces Timed Tests that emails individual htm of the Golden Age in several differ- reports back to teachers and stu- This site provides a wealth of read- ent ways, such as on a “Timeline”, dents. (JDG: Diigo) ing materials for children. The via a 3D interactive panorama of books are animated and colorful the Philips Wing (QuickTime is Illuminations: Resources For and include music, sound effects, required) or through an online pre- Teaching Math and voices. As children follow along, sentation. Visitors who are visually http://illuminations.nctm.org/ the words are highlighted as they impaired can also listen to any of the The web site, sponsored by the are read aloud, providing hours of webpages read by a digitized voice. National Council of Teachers of educational fun. In addition to the (Linda Hof: Webbits) Mathematics was development to books, children will find cartoons, support teachers so that they can music, puzzles, games, and jokes. MATHEMATICS provide mathematics learning of the The Classroom section provides highest quality for all students. Their some lesson plans for teachers and Aplus Math mandate is to provide Standards- other support materials. Writing http://www.aplusmath.com/ based resources that improve the contests are also available, and the This web site was developed to help teaching and learning of mathemat- stories are published on the site. students improve their math skills ics for all students. (JDG: Diigo) This could be a great motivator for interactively through exciting games the classroom. (Education World like Matho and Hidden Picture. Math ABC Site Reviews) Students can also test their math http://www.mathabc.com/ skills with Flashcards! Or the Math This site contains more then LIBRARY Word Find puzzle. Students can 1200 math interactive, online Ouch! also create and print their own set of practice problems for students in http://www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/ flashcards online using the Flashcard Kindergarten through to Grade 6. Creator! The Worksheets section (JDG: Diigo) Ouch! Is a BBC companion website is where students can print work- to the Ouch! Talk show. Both the sheets to practice offline and try the Mathcasts website and talk show focus on dis- Homework Helper to check student http://math247.pbworks.com/w/ abled people, and it is also for those homework solutions. page/20517498/FrontPage who hold an interest in the disabled, Elementary Mathematics “Mathcasts are screencasts (screen such as family, friends, and profes- http://www.bcps.org/offices/lis/cur- movies) which are created and sionals. There are articles, podcasts, ric/elem/mathematics.html shared to improve the learning and blogs and a message board. Episode The web site, created by the teaching of mathematics.” Narration is broadcast about twice per month. Baltimore County Public Schools is combined with screen writing to The topics range from DadaFest, contains a wealth of math activities demonstrate a variety of mathemati- the world’s biggest disability arts and resources divided by grade level. cal concepts. This site contains a col- festival, dating websites, live musical (JDG: Diigo) lection of mathcasts that have been performances by disabled musicians, submitted by teachers, students, and the Blind Football World Cup. Hooda Math professionals, and children. Both (Linda Hof: Webbits) http://hoodamath.com/ teachers and students of grades four The Hooda Math web site can be through twelve will find these useful Rijksmuseum Museum: Amsterdam used in a number of ways. The in demonstrating and understand- http://www.rijksmuseum.nl/index. online math games can be used for ing mathematical concepts. Topics jsp computer lab activities with/with- include everything from reading and out our free math worksheets. The writing whole numbers to calculus. The Rijksmuseum Museum is in math games can also be used with Information on how these may be Amsterdam and their elegant website interactive whiteboards. Middle and used in the classroom is available as has many multimedia features of Highschool students can do Math well as information on how users note. Visitors should definitely start Movie projects with xtranormal.com can create their own math- by going to “The Masterpieces of and submit them to us for publica- casts. (Education World Site tion. A classroom teacher favorite GOLDSMITH 3 5 Reviews) http://www.orangekids.com/ technology, discover lessons and unit Math Is Fun Planet Orange is a site created by plans aligned to national standards http://www.mathsisfun.com the ING Bank to introduce young and listen to podcasts and electronic A site filled with free, math related people to the world of business, books, or browse the photo gallery. games, puzzles, worksheets and finance and investing. The site is (Education World Site Reviews) more. very colourful and animated with BioED Online (JDG: Diigo) resources for students, teachers and http://www.educationworld.com/ parents. (JDG: Diigo) awards/2008/r0208-13.shtml Mrs. Glosser’s Math Goodies BioEd Online is a site designed to http://www.mathgoodies.com Virtual Math Museum “enhance the skills and knowledge Math Goodies is free math help with http://virtualmathmuseum.org of science educators” and it provides more then 500 pages of activities I’m not really sure what the “Virtual the materials and information to for students, educators and parents. Math Museum” is about and the do just that. The Presentations area The interactive lessons, puzzles and statement on the home page doesn’t offers streaming video presenta- worksheets are self-paced learning help much, “The group in charge tions on topics such as research lab modules ideal for students of all ages of the 3D-XplorMath software techniques, inquiry science, and and abilities. There are also complete development project and the related assessment as well as presentations scope and sequence, which includes Virtual Mathematics Museum for teachers in training. Teachers extensive libraries of interactive les- website project is the 3DXM will especially appreciate the Slide sons, worksheets and puzzles. (JDG: Consortium, an international vol- Library where they will find hun- Diigo) unteer group of mathematicians.” dreds of searchable slides that can What did impress me about this site be downloaded and used to cus- NRICH was the amazing number of simula- tomize their own lesson plans and http://nrich.maths.org tions. Students could enter in vari- activities. Each slide includes talking NRICH is a joint project between ous values and an animated wave, points and references. The Teacher the Faculties of Mathematics and spiral or circle would result. (JDG: Resources area includes ready-to- Education at The University of Diigo) go lessons and instructional. There Cambridge. It provides free and is also a separate section for K-5 interesting mathematical games, SCIENCE educators that includes presenta- problems and articles, support for Anatomy Arcade tions, slide sets, teacher resources Math teachers and a safe online http://www.anatomyarcade.com/ and professional development space where educators can meet Anatomy Arcade makes basic human appropriate for elementary teachers. others with similar interests. (JDG: anatomy come alive through awe- Additionally, the site offers the latest Diigo) some free flash games, inter-actives news, free online courses, discus- and videos. Anatomy Arcade is sions and information on hot topics. Number Nut perfect for the novice teenager in (Education World Site Reviews) http://numbernut.com/ the classroom, right through to This site offers an introduction students and professionals of health Digital Library for Earth System to mathematics and its variety of care looking for a fun way to revise. Education topics. It’s not just for kids; it’s for (JDG: Diigo) http://www.dlese.org everyone (even if you aren’t a num- The Digital Library for Earth ber nut). The site is divided into Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears System Education (DLESE) is a dis- three main topic areas, basic math, http://beyondpenguins.nsdl.org/ tributed community effort involving advanced math and pre algebra. Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears is educators, students, and scientists Each topic has a number of sub an online magazine integrating sci- working together to improve the topics. Within basic math there’s ence, literacy, and the Polar Regions. quality, quantity, and efficiency of shapes & colors, numbers & count- In each thematic issue, teachers & teaching and learning about the ing, addition, subtraction, multipli- students can explore the Arctic and Earth system at all levels. DLESE cation, and division. (JDG: Diigo) Antarctica regions, learn science supports Earth system science edu- concepts and literacy strategies, read cation by providing access Planet Orange about misconceptions, equity, and to high-quality collections

GOLDSMITH 3 6 of educational resources, access to the site that include “A Sea Ethic”, PhET is a university consortium Earth data sets and imagery, includ- “Marine Biodiversity”, and “Alien headed by a group at the University ing the tools and interfaces that Species”. The “Ocean Life News” of Colorado (Boulder). Their enable their effective use in educa- area of the site is a fine way to stay focus is to provide fun, interactive, tional settings, support services to abreast with current developments research-based simulations of physi- help educators and learners cal phenomena for free. effectively create, use, and To help students visually share educational resourc- comprehend concepts, es. DLESE resources PhET has created a num- include electronic materi- ber of simulations which als for both teachers and animate what is invis- learners, such as lesson ible to the eye through plans, maps, images, data the use of graphics and sets, visualizations, assess- intuitive controls such as ment activities, curricu- click-and-drag manipula- lum, online courses, and tion, sliders and radio much more. (JDG: Diigo) buttons. In order to further encourage quan- EcoKids titative exploration, the http://www.ecokids.ca simulations also offer EcoKids is a free, environ- measurement instru- mental education program ments including rulers, that offers curriculum- stop-watches, voltmeters linked materials and activi- and thermometers. As ties for Canadian elemen- the user manipulates tary schools to engage in these interactive tools, environmental action. The responses are immediate- website is the centerpiece ly animated thus effec- of the program. The site tively illustrating cause- offers topical information and-effect relationships about the environment as well as multiple linked through interactive, fun, representations (motion educational games and of the objects, graphs, activities that utilize partic- number readouts, etc.) ipants’ willingness to learn. To ensure educational (JDG: Diigo) effectiveness and usabil- ity, all of the simulations MarineBio are extensively tested http://marinebio.org dealing with the world’s oceans. and evaluated. All PhET “The tagline of the MarineBio site is Moving along, visitors can use two simulations are freely available from “sharing the wonders of the ocean to drop-down menus on the homep- the PhET website and are easy to use inspire conservation, education, edu- age to learn about key marine spe- and incorporate into the classroom. cation, research, and a sea ethic.” It’s cies. The site is rounded out by the (JDG: Diigo) a well-thought out statement of pur- “Deep Resources” area, which is a pose and direction, and they have a clearinghouse of information and Physclips cornucopia of material on various academic resources that include rel- http://www.animations.physics. marine species, ocean conservation, evant journals and online databases.” unsw.edu.au/mechanics/ research projects, and habitat con- (Linda Hof: Webbits) This Australian site offers teach- servation. First-time visitors to the ers and students a wealth of phys- site will note that there are fifteen PhET: Interactive Simulations ics video clips and animations on sections along the left-hand side of http://phet.colorado.edu related topics such as acceleration,

GOLDSMITH 3 7 momentum, rotation, gravity, etc. Treehugger performance and civic learning. As well as multimedia materials, the http://www.treehugger.com Through a rigorous investigation of site also has lots of downloadable the events that led to the Holocaust, resources to help teachers use these While not an education site, the as well as other recent examples of multimedia assets in their classroom. Treehugger does have a huge genocide and mass violence, stu- (Education World Site Reviews) amount of resources on the dents in a Facing History class learn Science360: Chemistry topic OD sustainability, envi- to combat prejudice with compas- http://science360.gov/topic/ ronmental awareness and sion, indifference with participation, Chemistry/ ecology. Topics on the site and myth and misinformation with include “How Togo Green”, knowledge. (JDG: Diigo) Have you ever wondered “Green Buying Guide” and about the chemistry of a “Green Basics”. (JDG: Diigo) Games in a Flash cheeseburger? Well you are http://gdavies.theclc.net/whiteboard. in luck because that is one of the html subjects covered on the topical and SOCIAL STUDIES A web site containing dozens of free delightful “Chemistry” section of Earth Science Teaching Plans and flash based games to help students the popular Science360 website. Classroom Activities learn mathematical concepts such as As it states on the site, “everything http://geology.com/teacher/ angles, shape and area, co-ordinates, you hear, see, taste, smell and touch fractions, decimals and much more involves chemistry and chemicals”, Teachers looking for materials to (JDG: Diigo) and here visitors can watch videos help out in the classroom will find The Geological Society of America and learn about the molecular struc- this well-organized site most use- http://www.geosociety.org/educate/ ture of water, the science behind ful. Created by the folks at Geology. resources.htm glass blowing, and how a curious com, Christy Pratt compiled the The Geological Society of America mud-like mixture is being used site’s materials, and they are orga- maintains a large educator resource to soak up oil spills and insulate nized into nine thematic areas. are on its web site. There are les- homes. Currently, there are about These areas include “Volcanoes”, son plans and additional resources fifteen videos on the site, and visi- “Water”, “Weather”, “Erosion”, and on a wide variety of topics such as tors can sign up via a host of social “Plate Tectonics”. The resources general earth science, earthquakes media (Twitter, Facebook, and so featured within each section are & volcanoes, mapping & geography on), to stay abreast of new additions taken from high-quality institu- plus much more. This site also has to the site. Teachers will find that tions and organizations, including a link to an image gallery, which can this material can be integrated into the Smithsonian, Harvard, and the be freely used, by educators plus an the classroom quite easily, and every- National Science Foundation. Each electronic newsletter with updates one else will just enjoy wandering area also includes a “News” area, for the world of geoscience. (JDG: through these offerings. (Linda Hof: which features topical news updates Diigo) Webbits) and briefs. Visitors can share these sites with other colleagues and Incorporated Research Institutions Science Courseware friends via Twitter, Facebook, and for Seismology http://www.sciencecourseware.com/ other social media platforms. (Linda http://www.iris.edu/hq/ Hof: Webbits) Incorporated Research Institutions The Virtual Courseware Project for Seismology (RIS) founded produces interactive, online simula- Facing History And Ourselves in 1984 with support from the tions for the life science laboratory http://www.facinghistory.org National Science Foundation, IRIS or for earth science field studies. The This website has created to help and is a consortium of over 100 US uni- activities are designed to enhance support educators combat bigotry versities dedicated to the operation an existing curriculum and include and nurture democracy. The creators of science facilities for the acquisi- online assessments. They can be of this site work with educators tion, management, and distribution used by students ranging from mid- throughout their careers to improve of seismological data. IRIS programs dle school, high school, or college their effectiveness in the classroom, contribute to scholarly research, classrooms. as well as their students’ academic education, earthquake hazard

GOLDSMITH 3 8 mitigation, and verification of the volcanic regions, wildlife, and more. BIO Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Each time you click on a new sec- Treaty. For teachers and students, tion, watch for underlined words NEW ON THE this site contains a wealth of knowl- and icons in the text. If you click on NET edge, information and resources on them, new pages open with incred- John Goldsmith topics such as earthquakes, volcanoes ible detail supplied through photo- John is a regular and other seismic activity (Earth graphs, sound, and video clips. contributor who focuses on vetting Science Sites of the Week) Not only does the site contain new online resourc- a wealth of scientific, historical, es for teacher-librari- Show Me The Future and cultural information, it’s also ans. John Goldsmith http://showmethefuture.org/game/ beautiful in design and artwork. is currently working as an online edu- index.cfm (Clickschooling) cator with the Fraser Valley Distance “Show Me the Future” is an edu- Education School, a position he TECHNOLOGY & THE assumed after working many years cation simulation game in which as a Junior and Senior Secondary students create a whole new iden- INTERNET Teacher Librarian. tity including occupation, income, Teach IT Now married or single, kids and more. http://www.teachit-now.org [email protected] Students also have a checking The purpose of this web site is to http://www.detools.ca account with a register, which will provide K-8 technology teachers contain the money they have earned with meaningful technology course B L O G T H I S in their new identity. Naturally, materials that weaves together ter- http://bcteacherlibrarians.ning.com/profiles/ there are many decisions to be made minology, tools, how things work, blogs/new-on-the-net-a-column such as, the kind of house they want inventors, history, trends, and engi- to live in and what they are going to neering career opportunities to help eat, how they will dress, transporta- them help their students have the “EDTECH”, http://www.h-net. tion, etc. Every choice costs money, tools to succeed in every day life msu.edu/~edweb which is deducted from the checking and the ability to take it to the next “Education World Newsletter”, account. The object to the game level if they choose. This site will http://www.educationworld.com/ is to see if students can make ends help students to be more techni- maillist.shtml. meet and still have some cash at the cally aware, better prepared in life “Librarians’ Internet Index”, http:// end. (JDG: Diigo) by understanding the technology lii.org/pub/htdocs/subscribe. they already use, more competitive htm Spent: An Online Simulation About in a world that is becoming more “LM_NET” http://www.eduref.org/ The Homeless technologically savvy, and get a great lm_net/archive/ http://playspent.org/ introduced to career opportunities “Neat New Stuff I Found This This free, online simulation was in technology and engineering. Week”, Marylaine Block. http:// created through an unlikely partner marylaine.com/neatnew.html ship of a US Urban Ministry and WEB LINK SOURCES “Site of the day”. http://www. large insurance company. Its pur- The above web links were gathered refdesk.com pose is to raise awareness for home- from the following sources that have “The Teacher List”, Peter MacKay. lessness and poverty, especially those given their permission to use these [email protected] who are unaware of the difficulties resources. “Thinkport”, http://www.thinkport. of low-income life. (JDG: Diigo) org/default.tp “ClickSchooling”, Diane Flynn “Webbits”, Linda Hof. linda_hof@ Virtual Serengeti Keith. ClickSchooling-subscribe@ sfu.ca http://www.serengeti.org/ yahoogroups.com A website where students can vir- “Educational Cyberplayground/ tually tour the famous Serengeti NetHappenings” http://www.edu- National Park in Africa and learn cyberpg.com about the history of the region, the “Educator-Gold” David Dillard: rivers, forests, plains, woodlands, [email protected]

GOLDSMITH 3 9 Savard’sLiterature Stars Selections and Acquisitions

adventure yarn. They don’t take within the broad definition of Space Science Fiction themselves too seriously – although Opera. Robert Heinlein’s juvenile they usually try to get the science novels including Have Space Suit- has Space Opera? part of a story right (or at least in Will Travel, Red Planet, Citizen of by Stew Savard line with the rest of the Galaxy, and Comox Valley the science found Starship Troopers within a story arc). all involved teen- What kind of tempo does a Thus Warp travel agers and com- Space Opera have? Space and the Holodeck ing-of-age issues Operas are actually not a consistently exist, set within big musical form. It is the term even though our picture themes. used to describe the big-pic- ture, melodramatic Science present understand- Asimov’s Fiction stories which many ing of Science makes Foundation series readers looking for a com- them unlikely. One serves as another fortable read, full of page frequent element in example of sto- turning adventure, want to Space Opera is that ries spanning find in libraries. It is a good many novels contain wide swaths of bet that your library has Space Opera, although it a romantic theme. the galaxy and might not be called that. This can broaden time. their appeal. While modern Space Opera prob- libraries may not Odds are that Space Opera novels ably has its roots in have some of the are amongst some of the most fre- dime store detective, works of early quently read Science Fiction novels adventure and west- writers, they will in a library. ern novels. Some of the best known have Space Operas. Some of the Paul Kincaid, at www.sfsite.com, early series include E.E. ‘Doc’ works of Frank Herbert – the Dune describes it this way: “There is Smith’s Lensman Series and Edgar series, Anne McCaffrey – Rowan, something juvenile Amazon.ca Rice Burroughs Warlord of Mars. David Weber – Honor Harrington, in it...You certainly Some early series were crossovers David Drake – Hammer’s Slammers, don’t turn to space opera for literary from other media. Buck Rogers, and Orson Scott Card – Ender are respectability, for fine honed charac- for example, started off in the pulp usually considered to fall within the ters, for searching insights, for any magazine Amazing Stories before sub-genre of Space Opera. sort of subtlety.” That is the just the it crossed over to become a comic Writing Space Opera does not point readers enjoy, these reads are strip, a radio series, novels, several preclude an author from writing just plain entertaining. And that television series, and even the basis other material for other audiences. can draw readers into our libraries. for a series of video games on several Asimov, with over 400 publications In libraries that I’ve worked in, some different platforms. Flash Gordon, holds, perhaps, the greatest record. of the most popular Space Opera another early series, morphed from In addition to his fictional writ- – which have been likened to Soap comic books, to radio, to movie seri- ing, he wrote non-fictional material Operas and old-fashioned Westerns als, and on to television. in all of the Dewy classifications – have been the Star Trek and Star Lightly written adventure novels except the 100s (Philosophy and Wars series. This material, which can be used to promote reading. Psychology). Orson Scott Card, often attracts male readers, doesn’t In the last sixty years many of the more recently, has written on reli- aspire to be anything beyond one best known Science Fiction authors gion, history and the craft of writ- adventure yarn followed by another have written material that falls SAVARD 4 0 SAVARD’S STARS.... ing in addition to creating Science examples of how the stories found interesting avenues to readers look- Fiction, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, within a movie and a TV series ing for their libraries to provide and Adventure novels. can cross genre. Other stories that materials. Librarians looking for Libraries looking to expand their have crossed over include Stargate, more authors or attempting to stay collections might consider some Battlestar Galactica, Andromeda, abreast of the latest in a series might of the works of current authors and Babylon 5. Where traditional turn to a search within the differ- including: Canadian authors Julie Space Opera was typically associ- ent Amazon sites: amazon.ca (has E. Czerneda – Species Imperative, ated with a specific author, crossover 3,544 results) , amazon.com (has

“...melodrama themes found in traditional Space Opera can be found in books originating from traditional tabletop wargames, roleplaying games, and computer games...” and Karen Lowachee – Warchild novels and graphic material can be 3,195 results), or amazon.co.uk and Jack Campbell – The Lost Fleet, grouped, for ease of access, by the (with 5,372 results), Search under Ian Douglas – The Legacy Trilogy, series – multiple authors are the Books › Science Fiction & Fantasy › Peter F. Hamilton – Commonwealth norm for many of these books. Science Fiction › Space Opera. With Saga, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller Elements of the big-picture, melo- this many choices, Space Opera is – Liaden Universe, Lois McMaster drama themes found in traditional likely to have a tempo and tune that Bujold – Vorkosigan Series, Space Opera can be found in books readers will find popular for years to Elizabeth Moon originating from come. – Vatta’s War, traditional table- 2010 Nominees and Award Winners Graham Sharp top wargames, The short-listed and winning novels Paul – Helfort’s roleplaying games, below may be a useful tool in search- War, and Jon and computer ing out Science Fiction and Fantasy Scalzi – Old games. Readers authors. Not all should be con- Man’s War. looking for sidered appropriate for all levels of Space Opera crossover mate- school libraries. Students and staff contains many rial, which can, may find this list helpful when look- crossover series: at times, stretch ing for new authors to read or new series that the definition works by their favourite authors. began life in of Space Opera, another medium can find mate- AURORA – ENGLISH (Canada) and that have rial grouped Based on fan votes moved into a by the origi- fictional read- nal game title. Leslie Carmichael - The Amulet of ing format. In Examples include: Amon-Ra* some cases this Warhammer Robert J. Sawyer - WWW: Wake has happened 40000, Battletech, Barbara Galler-Smith and Josh in both a novel Horus Heresy, Langston – Druids* and a graphic Halo, and Gears Hayden Trenholm - Steel Whispers* novel form. The Star Wars (with of War. Edward Willett - Terra at least 12 subseries) and Star Adventure novels, using a Space Insegura Trek (with 3 subseries) novels are Opera theme, are likely to provide

SAVARD 4 1 Paolo Bacigalupi - The Windup Girl BIO AURORA – FRENCH (Canada) (Winner) Based on fan votes Christopher Barzak – The Love We tewart Share Without Knowing SSavard Michele Laframboise - L’axe de Laura Anne Gilman – Flesh and Fire is a teacher- Koudriss* China Mieville - The City & the City librarian in the Fortin Mathieu - Le protocole Reston* Cherie Priest - Boneshaker Comox Valley. Laurrent McAllister – Suprématie* Jeff VanderMeer – Finch He maintains the Francine Pelletier - Un tour en Courtenay Middle School library Arkadie WORLD FANTASY AWARD website and has a passionate inter- Elisabeth Tremblay - Filles de lune 3. Winners determined by judges est in Science Fiction, Fantasy and Le talisman de Maxandre* Historical Fiction. Stew has also James Enge – Blood of Ambrose been known to enjoy road biking. ANDRE NORTON AWARD (YA Caitlin R. Kiernan – The Red Tree He is, however, still trying to learn Novels) China Mieville - The City & the City to: “Stay on the bike. Stay ON the Novels voted on by other authors (Winner) bike!” Jeff VanderMeer – Finch BLOG Kage Baker - The Hotel Under the Kit Whitfield – In Great Waters http://virtualbookmark.typepad.com/the_vir- Sand tual_bookmark/2011/06/science-fiction-has- Sarah Beth Durst – Ice * As of March 7, 2011 this book is space-opera.html Malinda Lo – Ash not available in an eBook format http://bcteacherlibrarians.ning.com/profiles/ Lisa Mantchev - Eyes Like Stars from one or both of Kobobooks.com blogs/science-fiction-has-space John Scalzi - Zoe’s Tale or Amazon.com. All other novel Rebecca Stead - When You Reach Me can be found in an eFormat. Many Catherynne M. Valente - The Girl eBooks allow for the free download Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a of a chapter for preview before pos- Ship of Her Own Making sible purchases. Scott Westerfeld – Leviathan

HUGO AWARD Based on fan votes

Paolo Bacigalupi - The Windup Girl (Tie) China Mieville - The City & the City (Tie)http://www.amazon.com/gp/sea rch?keywords=Bacigalupi+The+Win dup+Girl&index=books&linkCode= qs&tag=locusmagazine Cherie Priest - Boneshaker Robert J. Sawyer - WWW: Wake Robert Charles Wilson - Julian Comstock: A Story of 22nd-Century America Catherynne M. Valente – Palimpsest

NEBULA AWARD Novels voted on by other authors

SAVARD 4 2 Cruchley’s Collection

Diana Cruchley is an award-winning educator and author, who has taught at elementary and secondary levels. Her workshops are practical, include detailed handouts, and are always enthusiastically received.

(H. Diana Cruchley©2006, 604-464-7058, [email protected].)

Personal Writing the Perfect Sword A springboard from a picture book to personal writing should provide at Masa and his apprentice Michio make a “perfect least three topics if possible. Here are some ideas: sword” and then seek 1. The story of a person who taught you a great skill and how he/she did the person worthy of it: someone kind, who it and what you learned by it. (typing, how to ride a bicycle, piano, doesn’t automatically ice-skating, karate, etc.) reach for a sword to solve problems, who wants to 2. A story about an encounter with a bully. help others, and who is noble. Like a fairy tale, this 3. The story of something you lost, or had stolen. one takes FOUR tries until they find the right 4. An anecdote about something that happened to you that taught you a candidate. lesson. Scott Goto, Charlesbridge, ©2010, ISBN 978-1- 5. A story about teaching something to someone else. 57091-697-7 6. What is honour? - what do you think are the important elements of The Story of the Perfect.... being an honourable person and why you think so? It would be fun to write a story about something like the “perfect sandwich”. What would it have in Vocabulary: Japanese Words it? Who would be worthy of it? Which characters would like it and why do you turn them down? Any difficult words in the story relate to Japanese culture during the Who gets it? Tokugawa period in Japan, from 1603-1867. 1. A sensai is a master of a skill, and a teacher There are lots of opportunities to tell a story of the Perfect..... 2. A samurai is a member of the warrior class, the ones with the topknot of hair who carried two swords: a short one and a long one. 3. Bushido is a code of conduct for samurai, like a knight’s honour. 4. Ronin were masterless samurai who worked for pay, or who had been disgraced.

Scott Goto’s Books Listening for the Answer Scott Goto is an illustrator and fine artist who lives in Hawaii. As far as I can This is a really good book for constructing a chart. tell, this is the first book he has both written and illustrated. Books he has il- Give students a page with four columns: lustrated that look interesting are: Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude, The 1. The candidates for the sword (who are they) Enormous Turnip, and Wordsworth the Poet. 2. The qualities the apprentice thinks might make them worthy. 3. The reason they are turned down: or accepted in the case of the last one. 4. What the apprentice thinks might be the lesson to be learned

CRUTCHLEY 4 3 The Perfect Sword, p. 2

Cultural Symbolism in the Illustrations The background illustrations for each of the characters who are considered for the perfect sword is a traditional Japanese symbol that represents the person’s character. The symbols indude: • The warrior represented by a tiger • The lord represented by a fan Studying the Tokugawa Period • The ronin represented by the oak In a study of Japan in Grade 6 it would be interesting to look at the • Takeshi represented by bamboo Tokugawa period to understand the roots of modern Japan...beside the fact • Sensai Masa and Michio represnted by water. that it is a very interesting period in itself. This is a period in Japan of 250 years of great stability. The daimyo (or lords) owned property and ruled the people in their territory. They employed samurai warriors (7% of population) who defended the property from other lords and collected taxes from the farmers.

Bushido was the name for the code of conduct developed for the samurai in the 1500’s. It was based on Confucian values defining the perfect gentleman as: • Gensei : using good judgment • Yuuki: courage • jingi: kindness • Sonkei: respect • Seijitsu: honesty • Meiro: honour • Chuugi: loyalty Give students the list of qualities and ask students to discuss how Takeshi shows these qualities. Are these worthy qualities for the good human being today? Would they add any? How are they shown today? Can you write a story where a character slowly reveals these qualities?

A knight of the Middle Ages in Europe had a similar code and a similar role. He was bound to a specific lord who owned the property and his job was to protect against attacks from other lords (usually not tax collection though).

CRUTCHLEY 4 4 Cruchley’s Collection

Diana Cruchley is an award-winning educator and author, who has taught at elementary and secondary levels. Her workshops are practical, include detailed handouts, and are always enthusiastically received.

(H. Diana Cruchley©2006, 604-464-7058, [email protected].)

Personal Writing Tsunami A springboard from a picture book to personal writing should provide at In Japan, the oldest wealthiest man in the least three topics if possible. Here are some ideas: village lives on the hill in 1. A time when “something didn’t feel quite right”. his rice farm. One day he senses a problem, and 2. A story about your grandparent. when he sees the waters 3. A story about the advantage of experience. recede realizes a tsunami is coming. To draw the 4. A story of an earthquake, fire, falling tree, high wind in your life. village to him, he sets his rice farm on fire and saves 5. Giving up something for someone else. them all at the cost of his personal wealth. 6. A present that involved a sacrifice..giving up something you wanted. Kimiko Kajikawa, Philomel Books, ©2009, ISBN 7. Methods you can think of to honour someone. 978-0-399-25006-4 8. Identify a special someone in your life who helps others and write what they do. Kimiko Kajikawa’s Books Tsunami Kimiko Kajikawa has been This is a good time to study the science of the tsunami. These giant waves a writer since she was 6 and form where tectonic plates collide, where there is a gigantic (frequently published an article for underwater) eruption of a volcano, or after a meteor impact. 86% of all Seventeen magazine when tsunamis’ come from underwater volcanoes or seismic shifts. These displace she herself was in her teens. huge quantities of water suddenly. The water rushes in to fill the vacuum The author of a half dozen or so books, Kimiko is (thus explaining why the “tide” seems to go out suddenly and unusually far) also the author of Yoshi’s Feast which is a famous and then rushes back out again in the form of a huge wave. Japanese folktale told for the English-speaking audience. There are many websites with great information including that of the Tsunami Institute.

Student Tsunami Reports Students could research and prepare powerpoint presentations on aspects of tsunami’s: 1. The causes of the Tsunami. 2. The destruction of Santorini 3600 years ago that destroyed the Minoan civilization across the Mediterranean. 3. The 2004 Tsunami. 4. The eruption of Krakatoa in 1883. 5. The Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami in 1946 (most websites are American in origin, and ignore the damage and death in BC communities.) 6. A timeline of known tsunamis, especially featuring ones not researched by other groups.

CRUTCHLEY 4 5 Tsunami, p. 2

Personification and Similes The Word Tsunami There are many opportunities to discuss and study simile, metaphor, and In japanese Tsu means port and nami means wave. personification as figures of speech. Provide students with a typed version of The first time it was used in English was in 1897 in the words of the book and ask them to seek them out. They should be able to Lafcadio Hearn’s “A Living God” in Gleanings in find: Buddha-Fields. 1. golden rice fields waiting for harvest 2. a long, slow, spongy motion Japanese Folktales 3. the sea was running away from the land This might be a good time to study Japanese folktales 4. tsunami - the monster wave in general. Students would read the story, write their 5. stalks caught like tinder own version, and tell them to the rest of the class as 6. like a swarm of ants an easy oral presentation. (You could teach some 7. the sky roared of the skills of story-telling as well.) Some famous 8. as high as a cliff examples in picture book form include: 9. as wide as the sky 1. The Dancing Kettle and Other Japanese 10. heading for the village with lightning speed Folktales 11. jolt mightier than any thunder 2. A Tale of Two Tengu 12. The mountain shuddered 3. Japanese Children’s Favorite Stories 13. spray shot up the moutain like a dark cloud 4. The Two Frogs 14. the angry white sea swallowing up the village 5. The Mirror of Matsuyama 15. the sea drew back, roaring, tearing out the land as it went 6. The Stonecutter 16. the furious sea devoured the village There are many more available on the internet, or in 17. still raging as after a typhoon picture book form. Torn Paper Illustration The book is illustrated with torn paper and pieces of cloth or woven straw. This is an easy style of illustration for students to copy in their own published book.

The True Story This book is based on a story in the 1897 publication by Lafadio Hearn called Gleanings in Buddha-Fields. The original wise wealthy man of the village was Hamguchi Goryo and there is a Japanese museum dedicated to him. (He was 35, not an old man, when it happened but the story is still wonderful. Making him older makes it possible for “experience” to tell him what to do.) Ask students to research the real person at locations such as www.town.hiragawa.wakayama.jp/

CRUTCHLEY Cruchley’s Collection

Diana Cruchley is an award-winning educator and author, who has taught at elementary and secondary levels. Her workshops are practical, include detailed handouts, and are always enthusiastically received.

(H. Diana Cruchley©2006, 604-464-7058, [email protected].)

Wonder Horse Emily Arnold McCully’s Books Emily Arnold McCully is New York born and th daughter of a theatre Subtitled The True Story of the World’s Smartest producer and an actress. She is a prolific author and many of her books deal Horse, this is the story about non-fiction interesting historic characters, many of them women. My of how Bill Key, former Heart Glow is about the woman who “inspired” American Sign Language, slave, found and trained Squirrel and John Muir is about John Muir (the first Yosemite naturalist) and his horse Jim Key to rec- the daughter of his “boss”, and Marvelous Mattie is about Margaret E. Knight ognize the alphabet and who invented the brown paper bag (among other things) and is the first woman colours using only kind- to hold a patent in her own name. Beautiful Warrior is the Chinese Legend of ness. Bill and his horse had a huge influence on the a nun who taught kung fu. Mirette on the High Wire is a Caldecott winner. movement to more humane treatment of animals.

Emily Arnold McCully, Henry Holt, ©2010, ISBN 978-0-8050-8793-2

famous Animals Jim Key is the story of both an amazing horse and an amazing owner. Give students a list of famous animals and ask them to prepare a quick research report of about 4 paragraphs (with an illustration if possible from the internet) to make an 11 X 17 poster set of displays for the class.

Working in pairs, students could then make an oral presentation (or a powerpoint presentation about their particular hores)..length 2 minutes to a maxi- mum length of 5 minutes. Personal Writing Vocabulary A springboard from a picture book to personal writing should provide at least The words students might find difficult are: colic, three topics if possible. Here are some ideas: profile, console, antics, equine, and linament. This might be a good time to explore vocbulary about 1. Bill Key has a “gift” with animals. Tell anecdotes about something you are horses as a theme. (See the included page.) really good at. 2. Tell stories about things you were taught, and how. Founding of the RSPCA 3. Anecdotes of smart things your pet has done. Students might be interested in the fascinating 4. Anecdotes about smart things your little brother or sister does. story of the founding of the RSPCA and how, in 5. Examples and opinions about kindness to animals. fact, it led to the founding of acts aainst cruelty to children. Google History of the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.)

CRUTCHLEY 4 7 Wonder Horse, p. 2

Amazing Animals

1. Commando the Pigeon (60 WWII Missions) 16. Rin Tin Tin (Canadian dog movie star) 2. Francis the Talking Mule 17. Badjo the Cacadu Parrot (can sew) 3. Washoe (the sign language chimp) 18. Phar Lap (Australian racing horse) 4. Alex (African grey parrot) 19. Man O War (won 20 of 21 races) 5. Trigger (Roy Rogers’ horse) 20. Fritz (stunt horse for silet film star 6. Clever Hans (the counting hrose) William S. Hart) 7. Big Ben (Canadian Show Jumper) 21. Citation (famous race horse) 8. Bucephelus (Alexander the Great’s horse) 22. Seabiscuit (famous race horse) 9. Incitatus (Roman Emporer Caligula’s horse) 23. Canadian parliamentary cats 10. Black Beauty (famous fictional horse) 24. Peabody ducks (live in the Peabody hotel) 11. Rex, the Wonder Horse 25. Buddy (the first seeing eye dog) 12. Darley Arabian and Godolphin Arabian 26. Endal (labrador retriever guide dog) (sires of thoroughbred line) 27. Hachiko (the loyal Japanese dog) 13. Secretariat (famous race horse) 28. Greyfriars Bobby (slept on his master’s 14. Mike (the headless chicken) grave) 15. Lassie (TV star)

CRUTCHLEY 4 8 Horse Words

Ages of Horses English Saddle western saddle

• Foal (under 1 year old) • Yearling (between 1 and 2 years old) • Colt (a horse under 4 - usually male) • Filly ( a female horse under 4) • Mare (a female horse over 4) • Stallion (an uncastrated male horse over 4) • Gelding ( a castrated male horse over 4)

Place the following labels with a line to the correct part of the picture: • bridle (with the bit, used when riding) • mane (the longer hairs on the neck) • rein (guides the horse, held by the rider) • tail • crop (small whip with no lash) • wither (where the neck meets the back) • martingale (strap from saddle, across the • haunch (raised part behind the saddle) chest of the horse, under the legs to the girth, • flank (where the back leg meets the stomach) keeps the horses head from flipping up and • postern (the small lump above the ankle) hitting the rider) • girth or cinch, strap holding the saddle on • stirrup (the feet rest in them)

Gait (the way a horse moves) - to see the gaits in action there is a short movie at each Wikipedia site describing each gait. • gallop (all 4 legs off the ground, fastest speed) • canter (at each step 1 leg is on the ground, on the fifth all are off the ground) • trot (the diagonal legs move together, pause beat between steps) Share YourUnlocking Successes members’ treasures

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COORDINATOR: Joanne Bell does a marvellous job of FIC CIT Pat Parker describing scenes in nature. Living 716 Schreiner Street in log cabins for years has provided Citra, Becky. Sam’s Ride. Orca Book Kamloops, BC V2B 5V3 her with a talent for bringing the publishers, 2009. 64 pages. ISBN Phone: 250-376-0069 wilderness alive in the reader’s imagi- 978-1-55469-9 $6.95 E-mail: [email protected] nation. This book would appeal to those individuals Sam’s mother EDITOR: involved in outdoor has taken him to Carolyn Cutt groups or activities. spend two weeks 1368 West 57th Avenue Also kids who have a at his grandfather’s Vancouver, BC deep appreciation for interior ranch. V6P 1S8 nature and enjoy such Sam, who is seven, Phone: 604-266-2225 things as camping or does not know his E-mail: [email protected] hiking would like this grandfather well. tale. Grandpa pres- BLOG REVIEWS AT: ents Sam with a http://virtualbookmark.typepad.com/ the_virtual_bookmark/2011/06/bctla- The main character, lot of rules and a book-reviews-june-2011.html Rachel, goes through huge horse named the motions of work- Lightning Bolt. ing out inner anxiety Sam is frightened due to a tragic event. of the big horse. A reader in their early From Grandpa, Book Reviews teens might find this Sam learns a lot helpful if they are about his father, FIC BEL going through a simi- who died when he lar issue. For much was a baby. He also Bell, Joanne. Juggling Fire. Orca of the story Rachel learns a lot about Book Publishers, 2009. -176pp.- travels alone with her dog and her himself when he is forced to over- ISBN 978-1-55469-094-7 $12.95 thoughts, so there isn’t a lot hap- come his own fears to seek help for pening. This is not so much a story his grandfather. This story is about Rachel, who is an of action and entertainment as it is Becky Citra had written a number of introspective girl in her early teens. an account of surviving outside city books for early readers. She uses her One night her father left home and limits. The main character shows a own life experiences on her ranch in never returned. After a search-and- desire for growth and independence the interior of British Columbia for rescue team could not locate him at by seeking out answers on her own. her stories. She uses crisp, clear char- their old cabin or in the surrounding Maturation takes place when she acterization for Grandpa, Sam, and forest, Rachel’s sister and mother is eventually able to come to terms Dr. Mckinnon. are willing to accept the situation. with her father’s disappearance. Recommended for early readers Rachel, however, is haunted by the grades 1-2 question of why her father disap- Recommended for ages twelve and peared. Despite the fact that he up. Reviewed by Gloria Reinheimer suffered from bouts of depression, -retired teacher-librarian, Surrey SD most of Rachel’s memories of him Reviewed by Cheri Szilagyi, #36. are fond ones. She sets off on a two Circulation and Reference Assistant, week journey with her loyal dog Thompson Nicola Regional District Brooks to discover what happened Library System. to her father.

BCTLA BOOK REVIEWS 54 1 7 FIC DEM heard of again...they had vanished the wicked fairies in Grim Hill dur- and no one seemed to notice. ing the recent Halloween soccer DeMeulemeeser, Linda. The Secret match. Now, weeks later, emotions of Grim Hill. Lobster Press, 2007. Cat becomes aware that Sookie and are running high for Cat’s soccer -187 pp. - ISBN 978-1-897073-53- the long-ago missing girls have been team when they challenge the boys 7 $10.95 turned into slave fairies and are to a soccer match to see who will trapped in the basement of Grimoire represent Darkmont High at the Cat Peters is new to Darkmont High High so the evil fairies can harness Intramurals.

“...the author delivers an exciting and fast-paced story that As Cat focuses on soccer, Sookie engages the reader. This fantasy has many elements that would dives into her new hobby: magic. hold young peoples’ attention...” She and her new friend Skeeter discover an old trunk in the attic and can’t wait to leave. It’s tough the energy of their youth. She soon containing exotic clothes and a being the new kid in school, espe- finds the secret passageway that leads turban that is the perfect prop to cially when the rules are different to Sookie and with the help of her wear when she practices her magic and the teachers aren’t very friendly. teammates, they set about rescuing tricks. However, it turns out the tur- So when the opportunity to win a Sookie and the long-lost soccer team ban is more than it appears. Strange scholarship to Grimoire High, the just in the nick of time to break the things are happening, the town is hit private school at the top of Grim spell the town has been shrouded in. with a strange cold snap and many Hill, is announced, Cat jumps at the of Sookie’s classmates are afflicted chance. All she has to do is win the This is the first book in the with a mystery malady and nobody Halloween soccer match against the series about Grim Hill by Linda knows what to do. Jasper and Cat Grimoire soccer team. DeMeulemeester. The language and come to realize that only those As Cat makes the team and begins writing style of the book are fairly children that were Sookie’s magical her practices, she notices that the simple and make it easy to read. The assistants are hit by this mysterious behaviour of the whole school and plot moves along with an exciting sickness and they have a feeling that town changes, everyone is friend- and satisfying conclusion that will sit there is a diabolical force at work. lier and obsessed with the upcom- well with the younger readers. Father Winter is working through ing soccer match; everyone that is, the turban and Sookie to do his evil except for her younger sister Sookie. Recommend for an intermediate bidding, casting a winter spell over One day as Sookie waits for Cat’s audience in an elementary library. the whole town to keep the door soccer practise to end, she meets open between the fairy realm and a strange girl named Cindy who Reviewed by Michele Frater, the real world. warns her that Grimoire High has Teacher-Librarian, SD #82 dark secrets. Sookie tries to tell Cat With the help of the enchanted of these warnings, but is brushed FIC DEM white feathers that they used to aside (as sometimes happens to little combat the Grim Hill fairies at sisters). Jasper, their neighbour, also DeMeulemeeser, Linda. Grim Halloween and some of her friends, tries to warn Cat that something is Hill:The Secret Deepens. Lobster Cat heads to the Fairy side of Grim definitely amiss at Grimoire after he Press, 200. -185 pp. - ISBN 978-1- Hill and does battle with the Holly discovers a mysterious journal from 897073-97-1 $10.95 King - Father Winter – the most 70 years ago that told of a very simi- powerful fairy lord, on the evening lar soccer match. of winter solstice, and luckily, our Cat, the soccer-loving grade 8 young heroine prevails and breaks A strange spell is cast over the town, student at Darkmont High, and the winter spell before the day ends. a spell that is causing Cat’s mother her plucky younger sister Sookie to forget her daughter Sookie. Cat encounter more mystery and danger Again, the author delivers an excit- discovers three special white feathers in this second installment of the ing and fast-paced story that engages that have the ability to see through Grim Hill series. the reader. This fantasy has many the fairy enchantment and she soon elements that would hold young realizes her little sister is missing. All is not completely safe in their peoples’ attention: magic, quests, Cat and Jasper do some research small town, even though the two mystery and friends. The reading and discover that none of the soccer sisters have already managed to level and writing style are very team from 70 years ago were ever rescue the stolen children and lock manageable for intermediates

BCTLA BOOK REVIEWS 5 2 students. process. A list is included at the end Kashmir and the cultivation of apri- of the book-“WAYS TO SHRINK cot trees. It is an enthralling story Recommended for elementary OUR FOOTPRINTS”. And keep- and will be enjoyed by girls from the school libraries. ing with environmental responsibil- ages of 14 - 18. ity, illustrator Adrianna Steele-Card Reviewed by Michele Frater, has created collages using natural or Highly recommended for grades Teacher-Librarian, SD #82 recycled materials. Do not skip over 9-12 these pages, study them and you will FIC HAN find many hidden treasures! Reviewed by Pat Parker, Retired Recommended for grades 1-4 teacher-librarian Handy, Reviewed Femida by K. FIC WIN and Carole Schweitzer, Carpenter. Retired, SD Winters, Kari-Lyn. On My Walk. Sandy’s #61 Tradewind Books, 2009 -24pp Incredible ISBN 978-1- 896580-6-16 $16.95 Shrinking FIC REE Footprint. Kari-Lyn Winters has written a Second Story Reece, delightful book for the pre-kinder- Press, 2010. PJ. Roxy. garten age group. – 24pp. – Tradewind Have you got your “science eyes and ISBN 978-1- Books, ears” ready? That’s all that’s needed 897187-69-2 2009. – when you take a walk with Kari- $15.95 190pp. – Lyn Winters. There’s the wonderful ISBN 978- sound of a frog-“frippity-frop” and “Shrinking” 1-896580- the sight of a bug- “hippity-hop”. can be 01-2 $12.95 So many rhyming words for the ear described as something that gets of the young listener! And then as smaller. “Footprint” is a mark we Roxy is the newly pregnant sev- the story is ending, the retracing of leave behind as we walk. So, how enteen year old protagonist in the walk and the sounds heard, as can Sandy make a “shrinking foot- this young adult novel of fam- mother and child quickly race home print”? ily secrets. Roxy’s actress mother, to try and beat an unexpected rain- The highlight of Sandy’s summer Maddy, was raised by a paternal storm. Including rich language, easy vacation is the time she gets to aunt, Gretchen, because her mother story line and a memory challenge, spend with her grandpa who lives died in childbirth. The aunt dies what comes next? Great fun! by the ocean. Sandy and her dog as the novel begins. As the funeral Christina Leist’s illustrations will Pepper love to explore the seashore, ends, Maddy receives a phone call definitely catch the attention of the looking for treasures. But this sum- from Greece. Her father’s lawyer has young audience listening to this mer things have changed. There’s called to inform her that her father story. There’s something unique to garbage everywhere! As Sandy sets is dying. He has had nothing to look for on each page, allowing the about cleaning up she meets the do with the family since he left his reader to ask, “Can you see…”? “Garbage Lady” her grandpa had baby daughter with Gretchen years told her about. In her conversation before. Roxy travels to Corfu to Recommended for Pre-school with the lady, Sandy learns how she see the famous author who is hid- can “shrink her footprint”- not her ing secrets of his past. A determined Reviewed by K. Schweitzer, retired, actual footprint, but her ability to Roxy eventually worms information SD #61 make changes in her own life that out of her grandfather’s friends and will have a positive effect on the her grandfather himself. Mistakes of FIC WIS environment. the past have caused heartbreak and Authors Femida Handy and Carole dysfunction, but eventually a deter- Wishinsky, Frieda, Stop that Carpenter have written a book that mined Roxy finds out the unexpect- Stagecoach! Illustrated by Jean-Paul opens the door for teachers and ed truth. She has learned about her Eid. Maple Tree Press, 2009. – 71p. parents to discuss the importance family and has met a good-looking – ISBN 978-1-897349-63-2. $7.95 of environmental responsibility. If young fisherman who could be part our eco-footprints are to shrink, we of her future. There are wonderful must all take an active part in the descriptions of Greece, the culture of

BCTLA BOOK REVIEWS 5 3 Emily and Matt are eager to learn tant facts are included at the end with them, especially his mother. He about the pioneers arriving and of the story. There is also a Teacher was also able to return to England, traveling in Canada during the early Resource Guide available online at: first as a soldier in WW1 and then 1800s. In this latest “Canadian www.mapletreepress.com/canadian- again to help care for his elderly Flyer Adventure”, they are trans- flyeradventures mother. He was also able to bring ported on their magic sled back to brother, Arthur, to Canada. He left this important historical period. Recommended for grades 2-5 farm work behind him for a long Landing in Montreal with the many career with the RCMP. immigrants just disembarking off a Reviewed by Carolyn Cutt, retired ship from Great Britain, they begin teacher-librarian, Vancouver SD#39 Beryl Young has written this factual to learn of the hardships they face. story of her father’s life. She has Many people in the city are already included family photos, documents ill with cholera. Anxious to leave the FIC YOU and letters. Beryl has also provided city and head for Upper Canada, statistical information from Barnado Emily and Matt meet an Irish boy Young, Beryl. Charlie: a home child’s files. Beryl says that descendants their age, Thomas O’Brien, and his life in Canada. Key Porter Books, of home children are 12% of the mother who are traveling to meet 2009 111 pages ISBN 978-1- Canadian population or about 4 his father who came ahead to start 55470-200-8 $19.95 million people. She did not learn homesteading. Climbing into a of her father’s early life until she waiting stagecoach, they begin the Charlie Harvey’s father ran a sweet was 20. Being placed in orphanages bumpy journey together. shop in Southampton. His favourite embarrassed many home children. candy was humbugs. Charlie’s family Beryl Young wants her readers to Rattling along roads filled with pot- of nine, parents and seven children, know that her father succeeded here holes, the long, slow ride wasn’t the lived in rooms above the store. He in Canada. glamourous adventure that Emily was 10 and his favourite sibling, and Matt had expected. At the inns Arthur, was four, when their father This is a great biography in its own where they stopped each night, the suddenly died of pneumonia. Since right, but could also be used as sup- food was terrible, and they often the youngest child was only three port for the many fictional stories of slept outside rather than endure months old their mother could not home children. being crowded onto one room with support them. In 1910 there were many other noisy travelers. Finally few options for the family. The old- Highly recommended for grade 5 they are transferred to a steamer rid- est girls went into service in grand and up. ing along Lake Ontario, then onto a houses while Charlie and the others large flat-bottomed rowboat heading were placed in orphanages. Charlie Reviewed by Gloria Reinheimer up the river towards Peterborough, went into a Dr. Barnardo home in -retired teacher-librarian, Surrey SD the O’Brien’s destination. But soon London. These homes provided #36. the oarsmen refuse to tackle the rap- orphaned and abandoned children ids and the tired group, including ages 8-14 with food, shelter, school- Mrs. O’Brien, who is imminently ing and training in the trades. From 428.2 RIC expecting a baby, is forced to strug- 1860 -1934, 100,000 children were gle on by foot. How far is their new sent to Canada. As late as the 1960’s Richler, Howard. Strange Bedfellows: homestead? Will they find a farm- many others were still sent to British The Private Lives of Words. Ronsdale house in time? Colonies such as Australia. Press, 2010. 152p. ISBN 978-1-55380-100-9. Telling the story through the adven- Most of these home children became $19.95 tures of Emily, Matt and Thomas, farm labourers. Charlie spent his the author is able to accurately por- first year in Canada missing his fam- tray the hardships that the new set- ily, while working long hard hours Emphasizing that the English tlers endured as well as their strength for an uncaring couple. They gave language has never been known of character to persist. Young readers him little food, while he slept in an for purity, thus the title: Strange will enjoy the action and fast pace. unheated porch. Thankfully, the sec- Bedfellows, author, Howard Richler Appropriate and appealing black ond year he was placed in a loving promises some unexpected liaisons and white illustrations, with char- family home. Charlie Harvey was a in English etymology. Many word acters in period dress, will enhance very lucky home child. He knew his origins are quite surprising the reader’s historical knowledge of family and regularly communicated and many words have strange the 1800s in Canada. More impor- associations with other words. BCTLA BOOK REVIEWS 5 4 Be prepared for some fascinating attended an art school there. He has explains the science behind each and humorous findings as you delve created this book for young children trick. into this intriguing world of words. and early readers. It may be used Magic Up Your Sleeve is a complete to help children with their fear of book. From the Getting Started The text is divided into many sec- monsters. Presented as a consumable Magician’s Kit, to the Magician’s tions for easy perusing. Part 1, titled book, which does not instruct how Survival Guide, to information Words Stranger than Fiction, is to draw, this book asks its readers about the lives of professional magi- divided into chapters containing ten to use the book for enjoyment. As cians, everything is covered. words: for example, “Ten Words You such, this book is not suitable for Yes, Helaine Becker and Claudia Never Knew Came from Foods”, libraries but would make a great gift Davila have succeeded in making the “Ten Words You Never Knew Came for pre-school children and begin- world of science magical. from Our Vices”, etc. Part 2, titled ning readers. Strange and Exotic Bedfellows of Recommended for ages 3-5 with Recommended for grades 3-6 English, contains chapters such as, parental help, and ages 5-6, early “Ten Words you Never Knew Came readers. Reviewed by K. Schweitzer, Retired, from French,… Yiddish/Hebrew”, SD #61 etc. Part 3 is titled Fifty-Five Words Reviewed by Gloria Reinheimer Whose Pedigree Will Delight and -retired teacher-librarian, Surrey SD Amuse You. This accessible format #36. 940.53 KAC allows the reader to quickly examine any section of particular interest. 793.8 BEC Kacer, Kathy, Restitution: a fam- The lyrical style is humorous, flows ily’s fight for their heritage lost in well and holds the reader’s attention. Becker, Helaine. Magic Up Your the Holocaust. Second Story Press, The text is complete with a table of Sleeve: amazing illusions, tricks, 2010. 311 pages ISBN 1-897187- contents, bibliography and index. and science facts you’ll never believe. 75-3. Pb. $19.95 For students researching unusual Maple Tree Press, 2010. -64pp.- word derivations, and for the inter- ISBN978-1-897349-76-2 $12.95 Karl Reiser lived with his family; ested adult reader, this text is highly parents, sister and dogs in a Czech recommended. It should prove to There’s definitely a lot of “magic” up town called Rakonik. His father, be an interesting addition to a high the sleeve of author Helaine Becker Victor, was a wealthy businessman school library collection as well. as she expertly draws the reader in who travelled all over Europe. His with her delightful “bag of tricks”. family had leant Recommended for another family mem- grade 8 and up. “...Helaine Becker and Claudia Davila have ber money to start succeeded in making the world of science his business, but his Reviewed by Carolyn magical... art gallery had failed Cutt, retired teacher- ” and to repay the debt librarian, Vancouver Mr. Schmahl gave SD #39 Add to the mix, illustrator Claudia the Reisers four valuable eighteenth Davila and you have a book that will century paintings. Karl’s mother, delight all who read it. Marie, grew to love the large works 743 BOU Using humor and facts, Helaine of art. The Reisers were one of the Becker reveals the science that is few Jewish families in the village. Boustin, Arnaud. My Beastly Book hidden in magic tricks. She has Mostly life was normal but as war of Monsters. Owlkids Books, 2010. incorporated dozens of activities that loomed in the late 1930’s, the fam- 120 pages. ISBN 978-1-897349- show the reader how the world of ily became uneasy. Marie especially 81-6 $13.95 magic is able to baffle audiences by wanted to leave Czechoslovakia. My beastly book of monsters has simply manipulating the simple sci- She began changing money into 150 large line drawings of monsters. entific principles of illusion and per- foreign currencies. To protect the Children are invited to doodle, ception. Illustrator Claudia Davila paintings she loved, she asked her draw, colour, and cut out the various presents the information in a fun husband’s business partner to look monsters. They are asked to use their and imaginative manner. after them until it was safe for the imaginations to complete the pic- Tricks are clearly explained, easy family to return. The family fled to tures, adding more eyes, more mon- to perform and require only a few Prague. With her husband already sters and making paper airplanes. household items. They have been safe outside the country, Arnaud Boutin lives in France and given a difficulty rating, as well as Marie began to collect the a sidebar “What’s Going On? This BCTLA BOOK REVIEWS 5 5 papers they would need. She used decades. The majority of this story tographs, a chronology of James her foreign money to bribe officials does not dwell on the Holocaust but Douglas, a bibliography, and an for the right documents to get them describes the twists and turns, luck index to make it a useful source in out of the country. Once they were and bravery that it took to return any history class. safe in Switzerland, the Reisers were the paintings to their owners. James Douglas: Father of British granted permission to immigrate to Columbia is one of a series devel- Canada. Highly recommended for grade 8 oped by Dundurn Press. From great wealth to refugees, the and up. family took on menial jobs and Highly Recommended for grade 5 began to rebuild their lives. Marie, Reviewed by Gloria Reinheimer and up however could not forget the paint- -retired teacher-librarian, Surrey SD ings she had left behind. To her #36. Reviewed by Pat Parker, retired they represented all that she had teacher-librarian lost; family, business and houses. After the war, she returned to 971.1’0209 FER BLOG Czechoslovakia to confront Mr. Jirak demanding he return her paintings. Ferguson, Julie H. James Douglas: BLOG REVIEWS AT The former partner claimed one of Father of British Columbia. the paintings as a reward for keep- Dundurn Press, 2009. -240pp. – http://virtualbookmark.typepad.com/the_vir- tual_bookmark/2011/06/bctla-book-reviews- ing the artwork safe. Marie refused ISBN 978-1-55488-409-4 $19.99 june-2011.html and began a lawsuit only to have to leave the country again as the James Douglas: Father of British http://bcteacherlibrarians.ning.com/profiles/ Communists were taking control. Columbia is one of those biogra- blogs/bctla-reviews-june-2011 She never saw her paintings again. phies that makes one want to know Even after his parents’ death and the more about the person, the time, growth of his and Hana’s Canadian and the places. Julie Ferguson has families, Karl did not forget his recreated Douglas’ letters and jour- mother’s beloved paintings. In nals to recreate a time in our prov- 1989 many decades after leaving ince’s history and make it real. them behind, Karl was astounded Douglas was the illegitimate child to receive word of their where- of a part-black Barbados native abouts from none other than Mr. and a wealthy Scottish trader. He Alois Jirak’s grandson. Karl Reeser was educated in Scotland and then embarked on a quest to restore indentured to the North West the paintings to his family. He Company. He worked his way up needed the help of the grandson, in the company (which merged an art dealer come smuggler and a with the Hudson’s Bay Company) Canadian diplomat who wanted to through determination, grit and see the Reesers ( Canadian spelling) a bit of luck. He married a Métis have their belongs back. woman and together they had thir- teen children, of whom seven lived Kathy Kacer has written this to maturity. Holocaust story, a subject she has This book is a well-written story of written about before. Kathy used a man of strength and character. It her mother’s war experiences in the tells of his struggle through difficult young adult novel, Gabi’s Dresser. times in the early fur trade to dif- Restitution covers the Reiser fam- ficult times governing a new prov- ily during the war, and far beyond ince. We learn of the relationships to the many years they struggled in his personal life and business life. to regain the paintings. To tell this The times were demanding for the story she has used Reiser’s pictures, women who had to support their copies of the documents that Marie men and raise families in primitive bribed officials for, and their permits conditions. In this book we are to live in Canada. This non-fiction given a “bird’s-eye view” of the cre- book tells how the events of WWII ation of British Columbia. reached well into the following There are black and white pho-

BCTLA BOOK REVIEWS 5 6 CASL CORNER

The Spring 2011 issue of Educating and empowering students CASL ANNOUNCES 2011 School Libraries in Canada, to make a difference in the fight AWARD WINNERS “Exploring the World,” against hunger is now available at: A SLiC report on a promotion that Angela Thacker Memorial Award Volume 29 promotes social awareness Winner Issue 2 | Spring 2011 (May 11, 2011) School Library Profile - Dalhousie Moira Ekdahl http://clatoolbox.ca/casl/ School, Winnipeg, Manitoba http://www.cla.ca/AM/ slicv29n2/292cover.html Paula Jasper-Hall and Andrew Volk TemplateRedirect.cfm?template=/ CM/ContentDisplay. Contents: The Virtual Library: Have We Put cfm&ContentID=11314 School libraries provide the keys to the Cart Before the Horse? the world ... given the chance Anita Brooks-Kirkland The Margaret B. Scott Award of Derrick Grose Merit Globetrotting (May 11, 2011) Voices for School Libraries: Suggestions from SLiC for students Heather Daly Networking for a New Future exploring http://www.cla.ca/AM/ Linda Shantz-Keresztes, Past the world from a school library’s TemplateRedirect.cfm?template=/ President CASL computers CM/ContentDisplay. cfm&ContentID=11319 The Canadian International “I was brown, I was from Pakistan. Development Agency: Offering a Writers were white ...” Follett International Teacher- variety of online tools on Canada’s Rukshana Khan with Derrick Grose Librarian of the Year Award involvement in international devel- (May 11, 2011) opment News from Halifax Judith Comfort Chantal Havard The CLA/ACB 2011 National http://www.cla.ca/AM/ Conference and Trade Show TemplateRedirect.cfm?template=/ L’Agence canadienne de développe- CM/ContentDisplay. ment international : Un éventail New jewels and neglected gems cfm&ContentID=11327 d’outils en ligne sur la participation Publishers highlight new works by du Canada au développement inter- Canadian authors and illustrators Download Press Releases: national https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B1 Chantal Havard bGJCsfmRW8OWFkMjlkZGItMD I5Ny00MzFhLThlZWYtOWMzNm “Like the traditional West African VmMmQzOTJk&hl=en_US Griot, I inform, entertain and inspire society” http://bcteacherlibrarians.ning.com/profiles/ blogs/casl-corner Adwoa Badoe discusses writing and storytelling with Derrick Grose

We asked . . . Craig Kielburger

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VOLUME 51, ISSUE I, ISSN #0381-6028 Volume 51, Issue I, ISSN #0381-6028