LIBRARY NEWSLETTER - MAY 2025
Embedded Files
Indigenous land acknowledgement
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.
teacher-librarianship PHILOSoPHY
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.
MAY SPOTLIGHTS
This section highlights important events, social justice moments, and cultural celebrations, ensuring they are recognized and appreciated.
CINCO DE MAYO
Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico's victory at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. While primarily a Mexican-American celebration, Canada has growing Mexican communities who honour their heritage on this day. Many Canadian schools, restaurants, and cultural centers hold festivities featuring Mexican food, music, and dance—creating educational opportunities to explore Mexican culture and North American connections.
Strathcona Picture book knockout
Strathcona Picture book knockout
Many Thanks
Many Thanks
To the Rotary Club of Chilliwack for sponsoring our Picture Book Knock Out for the 2024 - 2025 season!
The event is now underway
Link to the document to play the game: https://2ly.link/26cXd
Link to an explanation of how to navigate the document and vote: https://2ly.link/26caZ
LIBRARY INFORMATION
LIBRARY INFORMATION
EDUCATIONAL PEDAGOGY PERSPECTIVES
EDUCATIONAL PEDAGOGY PERSPECTIVES
The 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 the Future Ready Podcast - Leading from the Library podcast titled,
The Library Makers: Sparking Creativity in Elementary Spaces
In this episode, you'll here about how makerspaces and learning stations can transform an elementary library or classroom into a vibrant hub of creativity, exploration, and hands-on learning. Shannon McClintock Miller and guests discuss practical tips for setting up engaging, student-centered spaces, share success stories, and highlight the impact of makerspaces on curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking.
New BOOKS
New BOOKS
A small sample of new books added to the collection this month. See the full collection here.
by Joan Holub
COMMUNITY LITERACY EVENTS
COMMUNITY LITERACY EVENTS
Below is a list of local upcoming literacy events.
Chilliwack School of Performing Arts (CSOPA) - Spring Festival
Spring Festival! May 14th – 18th 2024
The culmination of studio-wide hard work, CSOPA’s annual Spring Theatre Festival is a collection of nine different shows performed by each CSOPA class. Enjoy two shows for the price of one with our paired double features. The Chilliwack School of Performing Arts (CSOPA) is a non-profit, pre-professional, youth theatre organization working with students ages 5 to 24.
From our youngest and newest performers to the more seasoned teens, there are a variety of fun and wacky stories–some even written by students–to enjoy!
However, the learning doesn’t stop at the curtain. Behind the scenes, CSOPA’s senior students are learning how to become backstage crew members! The Spring Festival is truly a full CSOPA family experience. We hope you’ll join us for an amazing week of incredible youth storytellers and stories.
Full list and ticket purchases here - https://chilliwackculturalcentre.ca/organizer/csopa/
On Saturday, May 3, we will celebrate Free Comic Book Day, an annual outreach initiative of the North American comic book industry.
Thanks to the support of Heroes for Sale, one of the Fraser Valley’s amazing comic book shops, we are happy to share a limited selection and quantity of free comic books with our communities.
Like in previous years, Free Comic Book Day is for everyone! That means there are comics for all age groups, including kids, teens, and adults. Caregivers are responsible for selecting titles that are suitable for their children.
Every Summer, Fraser Valley Regional Library hosts Summer Reading Club (SRC) for all ages. Record your reading all summer long for chances to win prizes. The more you read, the more chances to win!
How to Join
In-person:
Visit your closest FVRL location to register and pick up a paper SRC Reading Record
Track your reading progress and read 15 minutes or more each day
Collect progress stickers (Kids SRC only) and enter prize draws at your closest FVRL location
Online:
Register or sign in to FVRL’s Beanstack or download the Beanstack app
Join the current FVRL Summer Reading Club challenge for your age group
Track your reading progress and read 15 minutes or more each day
Log your reading to earn badges and enter weekly prize drawings
Both: Track your reading online and on paper for more chances to win!
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.
When does my child visit the library?
When does my child visit the library?
As the school year gets closer to June, the PAC and the school have again committed to purchasing a summer reading book for each student.
Reading is a personal experience, so we want to give students as much choice as possible. You and your child/children can select their own book from www.bookdepot.ca.
The video below explains how to use the filters to narrow your choices and stay within the $4.00 maximum price limit.
For your convenience, here are clickable links for popular genres:
We ask that you choose two books in case your first choice sells out before we order.
Please email your choices (#1 and #2) to christopher_lister@sd33.bc.ca by the deadline on Tuesday, June 3rd at 3:00 pm.
In your email, please include your child's name and teacher.
If you cannot select a book by the deadline, the school will choose a book for your child.
Books will be included in the final report card package at the end of June.
Lastly, if your child is withdrawing from the school before the end of the school year, please let us know. Instead of ordering a book they won't receive, the school will select a book for them from our existing stock.
KIDS Podcast Spotlight
KIDS Podcast Spotlight
Brains On presents Forever Ago®, a history show for the whole family! Every episode looks into the surprising and fascinating history of things we think are ordinary, but they’re not -- like ice cream flavors, video games, baths and more. We make learning about the past fun while teaching listeners to think critically about history.
View other podcast recommendations here
FAMILY READ ALOUD SELECTION
FAMILY READ ALOUD SELECTION
(written and illustrated by Shawn Harris)
Type: Picture Book
Grades: all ages
Pages: 48
Published: 2023
Meet this pint-sized unicorn in this funny, modern fairy tale about perception and self-confidence from a Caldecott-Honor winning creator.
Once upon a time, in a land where horses were mythical beasts, there lived a unicorn—a Teeny-Weeny Unicorn. He lived with his family in a palace—one that was extra-large for him, full of extra-large rugs and extra-large food. And when his brother and sister played chess, they used him in place of a pawn.
When it’s just too much to take, Teeny-Weeny Unicorn runs away—and has a chance encounter with a salty gnome. It's then that he suddenly starts to wonder... IS he teeny weeny? Or is he just the right size?
Every kid will relate to Teeny-Weeny Unicorn, as he figures out how to live in a world not made for his stature. With wit and charm, as well as delightful illustrations, Shawn Harris creates a modern classic made for sharing—be it at bedtime or on a story time rug.
TOOL/APP OF THE MONTH
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
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.
Make sunny side up eggs sitting in fluffy egg clouds! This Tech Insider video shows us how they’re made with a mixer, a mixing bowl, and an oven. Level up your clouds by folding in 1/8 cup of grated gruyere, swiss, or parmesan per egg before placing them in the oven. They’re easy to make and especially fun for kids.
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