LIBRARY NEWSLETTER - SEPTEMBER 2024
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 tribe.
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 library collection.
WELCOME BACK
Welcome back to school, Strathcona families! I hope you had a wonderful summer and are ready for a new year of learning and fun. I am so excited to see you all again and to share with you the amazing resources and opportunities that our Library Learning Commons (LLC) has to offer. Whether you want to read a book, conduct inquiry research, create a project, or just relax and enjoy the space, the LLC is here for you. I look forward to working with you and supporting your reading and learning goals.
I recognize the vital role families play in fostering a love of reading. I invite you to visit the library, participate in our events, and share your own reading experiences with your children. Together, we can create a community of readers who are curious, informed, and empathetic.
Let’s make this school year a fantastic one filled with discovery and growth!
See you soon! - Mr. Lister
teacher-librarianship PHILOSoPHY
My educational philosophy is deeply rooted in the Constructivist Learning Theory, believing that students build knowledge through experiences and reflection. I also attempt to foster a growth mindset and nurture curiosity when I am designing library programming. I prioritize hands-on learning experiences, allowing children to explore, discover, and construct their own understanding.
I embrace a “freedom to read” attitude, encouraging students to explore a diverse range of books that ignite their passion for reading, rather than limiting choice based on reading ability. This approach helps cultivate a genuine love for reading and lifelong learning. Our library is a place where students can discover books that reflect their own experiences and open windows to new perspectives. Strathcona's school library is committed to offering a collection representing diverse perspectives, that includes voices from all backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences, ensuring that every student can find something that resonates with them. This exposure nurtures empathy, understanding, and a global outlook.
Finally, I envision our Library Learning Commons as a vibrant hub of creativity, play, storytelling, and innovation - a space where students feel empowered to explore ideas, collaborate with peers, and develop critical thinking skills. By providing a rich, diverse, and inclusive environment, I aim to inspire learners to become confident, independent thinkers who are well-equipped to navigate an ever-changing world.
LIBRARY VOLUNTEER
The school library has an amazing volunteer, Stephanie, but we are looking for one 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
SEPTEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
TERRY FOX
Friday, September 20th
Terry's Story - https://terryfox.org/terrys-story/
Terry Fox represented the best that Canadians have to offer. He was an example of courage, humility, determination, and perseverance. From a young age he exemplified these attributes that made him an inspiration for not only Canada, but the entire world.
NATIONAL TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION DAY
Monday, September 30th
Website: https://nctr.ca/
The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
OPEN HOUSE BBQ
The library will be open for you to visit during the indoor portion of the event. You can browse the latest additions to our collection, find your next family read-aloud, and create your own bookmark to take home. I am especially looking forward to meeting all the new families at Strathcona.
Inaugural Family Trivia Night!
Get ready to put your book smarts to the test at our very first Family Literacy Trivia Night!
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 22nd from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
Gather your family and compete in a fun-filled trivia showdown featuring questions about books, movies, TV shows, and general knowledge! With room for just 6 teams of 6 or fewer, this event promises to be exciting and packed with friendly competition.
Enjoy light refreshments, win fantastic prizes, and take the chance to explore our library's collection before the trivia fun begins. You are guaranteed to find your next great family read-aloud!
Sign up now using the link below—spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. We can't wait to see you there!
📅 Date: Tuesday, October 22nd
🕒 Time: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
📍 Location: Strathcona Library
Sign Up Here: https://forms.office.com/r/y7ngWnv8YV
Don’t miss out on this fantastic family evening! 📖🎉
LIBRARY INFORMATION
EDUCATIONAL PEDAGOGY PERSPECTIVES
Educational Pedagogical Perspectives section of the newsletter offers a diverse range of viewpoints on education, schools, and learning. It will offer insights from experts in the field, including teachers, researchers, and policymakers. The section aims to foster a deeper understanding of the complex issues surrounding education and to encourage critical thinking about the future of learning.
This month, I'd like to share a podcast from Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers podcast titled, Why humans fall for misinformation & creative ways to teach information literacy skills.
This podcast discusses teaching young students to understand and combat misinformation, emphasizing compassion and empathy. Melanie Trecek-King, a biology professor, explains how confirmation bias, emotional appeals, and the reiteration effect contribute to misinformation. She provides strategies for educators to enhance students’ information literacy and critical thinking skills, using non-triggering examples and practical tools.
~ New BOOKS ~
A small sample of new books added to the collection this month. See the full collection here.
by Ripley's Believe It Or Not!
by Luciana De Luca
by Tim Probert
100 Things to Know About Architecture
by Louise O'Brien
~ BOOK CARE: ELEMENTS ~
Books and other library materials all have archenemies. One of those just happens to be the mighty elements themselves. How you ask? Well, just watch this video. And remember, book care, it's good for everyone!
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 while stocks last) or a similar water-resistant bag.
BOOKS FOR BABIES
We are thrilled to continue our "Books for Babies" program again this year. This heartwarming initiative is designed to celebrate the arrival of new additions to our Strathcona School community, whether through birth or adoption. When a new baby joins our Strathcona family, we will be gifting a special package that includes a cherished book. We believe that fostering a love for reading from the very beginning is a wonderful way to celebrate the joy of learning and strengthen our community bonds. We look forward to sharing the magic of books with our newest members and hope this program will be a source of delight and inspiration for all.
Welcome to Strathcona, where reading is not just a passion; it's a tradition!
If you know a Strathcona family that qualifies for the Books for Babies package, then please contact the library.
SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR
The Scholastic Book Fair will be returning to Strathcona this Fall, from Tuesday, October 15th through Friday, October 18th. The fair will be set up in the library and will be open after school only to avoid distractions during the school day. On Friday, October 18th, the fair will also be open during parent-teacher-student conferences. Closer to the event, there will be a call for parent volunteers who have existing criminal record checks on file at the school to help out.
COMMUNITY LITERACY EVENTS
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 create an account for you, much like the process at a public library. Our library has an excellent selection of chapter books suitable for family read-alouds, as well as a diverse assortment of picture books perfect for nightly bedtime stories with your children.
READING FOR ALL AGES
There are different ways to read a book:
Read The Pictures - Immerse yourself in vibrant illustrations, where images tell their own tale, adding depth and emotion to the narrative.
Retell The Story - Relish the joy of retelling. Share the story with others, infusing it with your unique perspective and enthusiasm, creating a bond between you and the narrative.
Read The Words - Dive into the written words, where sentences paint vivid pictures and characters spring to life within your imagination.
These three ways to read a book guarantee an adventure filled with wonder and endless possibilities. Happy reading!
KIDS Podcast Spotlight
In a distant future that’s either really bad or really good (depending on whose side you’re on), two strange and unlikely champions embark on a series of adventures to stop a wicked A.I., and in the process must struggle to understand “old-fashioned” ideas like “kindness” and “just hanging out not doing much”.
View other podcast recommendations here
FAMILY READ ALOUD SELECTION
To The Sea
written by Cale Atkinson
Type: Picture Book
Grades: K+
Pages: 38
Published: 2015
*"To the Sea"* by Cale Atkinson is a heartwarming story about an unlikely friendship between a boy named Tim and a big, blue whale named Sam. Feeling invisible and misunderstood, Tim helps Sam find his way back to the sea, teaching readers the importance of kindness, empathy, and the power of being seen. With vibrant illustrations and a touching message, this book celebrates friendship and the courage to help others in need.
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.
Feeling philanthropic? The school library would love to receive any hardcover book on this list.
The Book Man, our very own family-run locally-owned used bookstore in downtown Chilliwack, would be more than happy to help you purchase books on this list. You can find their contact information here.
If the Book Man cannot find a copy then you can find it on the school library's Amazon Wish List
The positivity podcast
Grade 5 students are currently working on Season 3 of The Positivity Podcast. In anticipation of the new season please feel free to check out our first 2 seasons wherever you get your podcasts.
POSITIVITY - INSPIRATION - JOY - INQUIRY - INFORMATION
There’s an oft-repeated question, a conversational game of sorts, that asks, “If you could go back in time and change one thing in the history of the world, what would you change?” We sometimes forget that one thing can be done right now to positively impact the future.
An online retailer in China, JD, has a character in its advertisements it calls Joy, a dog, and in this video, Joy encounters someone new.
Sometimes there are people around you who, if you knew them just a little better, might turn out to be someone special in your life. Do you agree? Why or why not?
If this seems true to you, that certainly says something about the people you may not like at the moment. It may also say something about you in the eyes of others.
Did you have another takeaway from watching this story? If so, what?