NOVEMBER Newsletter 2023
~Indigenous land acknowledgement~
Éy swáyel
Strathcona Elementary School's library and those who use it are proud to live, work, play and read on the Stó:lō unceded traditional territory of the Pilalt, Sema:th and Ts’elxwéyeqw tribes.
This year, my journey towards reconciliation involves broadening my own knowledge and understanding of the Halq'emeylem language, incorporating local Stó:lō stories into library time, introducing traditional language to students, and elevating the visibility and accessibility of indigenous books in the collection.
~ SChOLASTIC BOOK FAIR ~
Book Fair Thank You.MOV
~ celebration spotlight: diwali ~
This year, Diwali takes place on Sunday; November 12th.
The school will be partaking in Diwali activities on Wednesday, November 15th
Diwali is a joyful festival celebrated by millions of Hindu, Jain, Sikh, Buddhist and South Asian people around the world, including some of your friends' families. It's often called the Festival of Lights because people light lamps and candles to symbolize good winning over evil and light over darkness. Families clean their homes, wear colourful clothes, share delicious sweets, and set off fireworks. It's a time for togetherness and happiness, like a big, bright party where we celebrate the victory of goodness and knowledge over ignorance.
Explainer video here.
~EAR READING (AUDIOBOOKS) IS READING~
I would like to emphasize the value of audiobooks, or what some educators call "ear-reading," in fostering a love for reading and literacy development in your young ones. Contrary to traditional notions of reading, listening to audiobooks is indeed considered a form of reading. It engages children in storytelling, enhances comprehension, and helps build vocabulary. Audiobooks can also be a valuable tool for struggling readers, English language learners, and those with learning differences. So, whether they read with their eyes or ears, rest assured, your children are on the path to becoming avid readers.
~Wondering what day
your child has library?~
It recently occurred to me that you may not be aware of when your child visits the school library to exchange books. Therefore, I've decided to create a graphic.
Since I have two young children in elementary school, each with library visits on different days, I created a calendar reminder on my phone to remind me the day before and the day of that books need to be returned after a maximum of 2 weeks (books can always be renewed if more time is needed to finish them).
In addition to your child's scheduled library visit, the library is also open every day at lunch and after school for students to return and exchange their library books
~ New BOOKS ~
A small sample of new books added to the collection this month. See the full collection here.
by Henry Cole
by Ryan T. Higgins
Natasha Khan Kazi
by Aaron Blabey
~ LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS ~
The school library has a small team of amazing volunteers but we are looking for one or two more to help in the mornings or afternoons. All library volunteers must have a criminal record check on file at the school before volunteering. If you think you might like to volunteer feel free to stop by the library or reach out via email at christopher_lister@sd33.bc.ca
~ BOOK CARE: FOOD ~
This video serves as a cheerful reminder to ensure the proper care of books borrowed from the school library.
It is crucial to store and transport these books within a protective 'second skin,' such as a book bag (available for purchase at the library for just $1) or a similar water-resistant bag.
~ THE SCHOOL LIBRARY IS FOR GROWN UPS TOO ~
Besides serving as an invaluable resource for students, the school library extends its welcoming doors to adults as well. Should you intend to frequent the library, I can facilitate the creation of an account for you, much like the process at a public library. This school library offers an excellent selection of chapter books suitable for family read-aloud sessions, as well as a diverse assortment of picture books perfect for nightly bedtime stories with your children.
~ Podcast Spotlight ~
From the mind of R.L. Stine, the creator of Goosebumps, comes a new series that will make you laugh and scream. R.L. Stine's Story Club - let the mysteries begin! R.L. The stories in this podcast range from mildly spooky to keep-the-lights-on scary. Because the stories change with each episode, the level of scariness is hard to predict, so I encourage you to preview them before younger kids listen. Fantasy situations with monsters and animal mutation are fairly common, while other characters include clowns and zombies. The main characters are often put in perilous situations. Teamwork, curiosity, and perseverance are common themes throughout. Episodes run from 5 to 15 minutes, just the right amount to keep kids engaged for short chunks of time.
View other podcast recommendations here
~ Book Review ~
Wishes written by Mượn Thị Văn and illustrated by Victo Ngai
Type: Picture Book
Grades: K+
Pages: 34
Published: 2021
Wishes is an evocative and heartfelt odyssey with captivating visuals that explores topics of immigration, family, and the pursuit of a new home. It features the profoundly difficult journey of a Vietnamese family’s journey to a new home. Drawing from the author's own experiences, this timely narrative, narrated through a young girl's eyes, follows the family as they set out on a crowded boat to an unfamiliar place. Written by Muon Thi Van and illustrated by Victo Ngai, 'Wishes' weaves themes of kindness, bravery, hope, and love, making it an essential addition to every school library.
~ COOL TOOLS & GAMES ~
~ BOOK DONATIONS ~
The school library will gladly take any children's books you would like to donate only if they are in excellent used condition.
If you would like to purchase new books for the library this is a link to the school library's Amazon Wish List
~ THE POWER OF READING BY DR. STEPHEN KRASHEN ~
~ Strathcona's Little Free Library ~
Strathcona Elementary is a proud supporter of community literacy!
WHAT IS A LITTLE FREE LIBRARY?
A Little Free Library is a free book exchange. It belongs to everyone, and everyone can use it!
TAKE BOOKS
If you see something you would like to read, take it. When you’re finished, share it with a friend, bring it back here, or leave it in another Little Free Library.
GIVE BOOKS
It’s up to everyone to keep this Library full of good reads! Bring books to share when you can, and continue being a friend of Little Free Libraries everywhere!
Strathcona's Little Free Library will be rolled out at the back of the school at the end of each school day. It will return to the school after supervision ends.
~ POSITIVITY - INSPIRATION - JOY ~
Fashion has always been a canvas for design and expression, but this digital dress is literally a canvas; the experimental wearable textile can display patterns and images just like a low resolution digital screen.