Using Technology in Your Curriculum

Our students are surrounded by and use technology everyday to communicate, listen to, and learn. Experts have been telling educators to start thinking about how we are going to use technology to not only teach but to engage our students in the learning environment. Here is something to get us thinking about how we can do this.



Are you interested in learning more about Web 2.0 tools, check out the following blog by Wayne Resa. Resea offers teachers the opportunity to walk through 23 things to become familiar with on the Web 2.0. Using video, blogs, wikis, podcasts, Resa walks you through how to use various tools on the Web 2.0. Check out the blog and work your way through the modules on the blog.

http://resa-23things.blogspot.com/

Also, the TDSB offers many workshops throughout the year. Many of these workshops are led by teachers who have used technology in their classrooms or by ICT leaders. Check out a list of workshops available on Key to Learn or on the TDSB website. Follow this pathway

Program, Teaching and Learning > Library Information Communication Technology Resources > ICT > Workshops for Teachers

We will be hosting a Smartboard Resoruces workshop at Valley Park Middle School on Wednesday, January 27th. Sign up on Key to Learn if you are interested.

WORDLE!!

Want your students to create something different to show their learning? Why not get them to use Wordle. Wordle is a free word art generating site on the Internet. It allows students to create word art for any subject area. Have a look at the website below for 43 ways to use Wordle in your classroom.


http://docs.google.com/present/view?id=dhn2vcv5_157dpbsg9c5



You and your students can access wordle at http://www.wordle.net/. Check out an example of a wordle using words from this blog.

Have fun!

Remembrance Day

The TDSB has some great weblinks and resources for Remembrance Day. Check them out at the following link:

http://www.tdsb.on.ca/_site/ViewItem.asp?siteid=15&menuid=21865&pageid=19044

Also be sure to check out the displays in the library for resources on Remembrance Day. We have fiction, non-fiction and video resources.

Great Resource!

We now have access to a fantastic Canadian resource - the National Film Board. The TDSB has purchased a subscription to the vast bank of NFB films. On this site you can access documentaries, animations, dramas, trailers and more, from both past and present. The NFB website can be accessed through the library website using the link below:

http://www.tdsb.on.ca/libraries/links.asp?schoolno=1585

Just go to "Online Media" and click on the NFB link. Check it out! Share what you find with the rest of the staff by leaving a comment on this blog.

Looking for Storytellers!

That's right staff. we are having our 6th Annual Scary Stories in the Library on Wednesday, October 28th! Do you have a scary, hair raising, spine tingling story you would like to share with our students? Let us know if you would be willing to share your story and give our students a fright of their lives. Watch for a memo in your mailboxes next week!

Spring Book Fair

Hello Everyone,

As you may know, we have decided to go with a Scholastic Spring Book Fair from May 6th to the 15th. Our theme is "Catch the Reading Wave" with the beach in mind. We would like to decorate the library in the beach theme and we are asking for your help. If you have anything at home that fits into this theme and are willing to lend it to us for that week, please let us know by Friday, April 17th. Here is a list of things to give you an idea fo what we are looking for:

1) umbrellas
2) patio lights
3) inflatable water toys (i.e. beach balls, floating mattress, etc.)
4) flutter boards
5) sand pails and shovels
6) colourful beach towels
7) shells
8) picnic basket
9) plastic mugs, cups, etc.
10) paddling pool
11) foldable chairs
12) old flip flops
13) sun hats
14) sunglasses
15) surf board
14) beach bag
15) tiki hut
16) small patio set
17) sand

Whatever else you can come up with. Thanks so much!

MS Read-a-Thon

Hello Everyone,

This week we kick off our MS Read-a-Thon. Our reading month will begin with assemblies on Wednesday afternoon. After the assembly, reading packages will be placed in Advisory teacher mailboxes. Please distribute the envelops and encourage you students to read. To get your students excited about the Read-a-thon here are a couple of ideas:

1) Set a class reading goal. Reading minutes should be tracked. You can create a class chart and create a chart to track each student. An example of a Reading Thermometer has been placed in your package.

2) Check out the great resources online at www.msreadathon.com.

3) Participate in the school challenge! At the end of the reading period, the library will be asking teachers to submit their class's reading minutes. There will be a PIZZA LUNCH for the class with the most reading minutes and a prize for the top three students in the school.

Pledge envelopes will be handed into Ms. Friesen. Listen to the announcements for final dates. Happy Reading!!