Dot Day 2018

Make your mark this school year!  September 15th-ish is International Dot Day!  Join the celebration of creativity, courage and collaboration! Based on the story “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds, this is a great way to start the year by celebrating the creative talents of children.

Watch the videos below to see examples of students collaborating creatively and get inspired to create:

http://animoto.com/play/CTF6JLGlvmRFNqnyN6sgmA?utm_source=thedotclub.org&utm_medium=player&utm_campaign=player

http://youtu.be/CseZabRV-Mw?rel=0

 Resources:

Clip Art Collection (by Peter H. Reynolds)

International Dot Day website: Get Inspired

Multi-language Dot Day Posters

Poster Gallery:  (many themes, including A Thinking Journey & Think Globally)

Sparking the Creative Spirit: Tips for Inspiring Writing, Creativity, Self-Expression and a Wonderful Journey

 

 

National Indigenous Peoples Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=7Ax-Wp7cCwY?rel=0

2019 Events in Mission:

Information and Resources for National Indigenous Peoples Day:

From the Government of Canada: “June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First NationsInuit and Métis peoples. The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous peoples.

Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.

In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, for National Aboriginal Day, now known as National Indigenous Peoples Day. For generations, many Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.”

Additional Resources:

FVRL 2018 Summer Reading Club

FVRL 2018 SUMMER READING CLUB

Move, groove and prove that you can make a Motion Commotion this summer when you join FVRL’s 2018 Summer Reading Club. There is a club for everyone! Sign up starts June 21 and continues throughout the summer. Visit your favourite FVRL location to join.

 

Read To Me (0 to Preschool)

Share stories, record reading, collect stickers, win prizes and get a medal.

Kids (grades K to 6)

Ready, set, go! Collect a reading record, enter prize draws, come to fun shows and earn a medal. Just read every day!

Teens (grades 7 to 12)

Read. Record. Repeat. It all begins when you pick up a reading record. There will be lots of chances to win fantastic prizes.

Adults

Get a move on! Take home a reading record and mark your reading to enter prize draws. The more you read, the more chances to win.

There are oh so many ways to make a Motion Commotion when you join 2018 Summer Reading Club!

Have a Heart Day 2019

This message is from the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada (FNCFCS) website:

“Have a Heart Day is a child and youth-led reconciliation campaign that brings together caring Canadians to help ensure First Nations children have the services they need to grow up safely at home, get a good education, be healthy, and be proud of who they are.

Watch “End the Gap – Fair Funding For First Nations Schools”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LchiS8eQ7UM?rel=0

Listen to the ideas of children:

haveaheart

 

Activity Ideas:

  • Host a Valentine’s Day party to raise awareness in your school or community. Choose a day leading up to Valentine’s Day that makes sense for your class or community.
  • Spread the word through social media like YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. Use the hashtag #HaveaHeartDay.

Explore the Have a Heart Day website to download Have a Heart Day resources.

Through activities like Have a Heart Day, we are creating a movement where the landscape of Canada is only one of honour and possibility for First Nations children.”

FNCFCS also shared this music video by N’we Jinan Artists “Important to Us”, written and performed by students at Pierre Elliot Trudeau School.

Their message is inspiring:

“No matter where you’re from,

let’s fill our home with colour and love.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9mJYjUWGS8?rel=0

Teachers: More resources are available here

  • Follow Cindy Blackstock on Twitter (Cindy Blackstock @cblackst) and/or F.N. Caring Society on Twitter(F.N. Caring Society @Caringsociety)
  • Explore the Have a Heart Day website to download Have a Heart Day resources.

Pink Shirt Day 2019

Mark your calendar: Pink Shirt Day is February 27nd, 2019.

Wear something pink to show that we are all working together to erase bullying in our community.

2019 Focus: Cyberbullying

Watch the clip below.  What is kindness to you, to your family and how can you show kindness in your community?

Think about this prompt:

“Kindness is……”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9a9IqHkpgc?rel=0

Here are some great recommendations for books about kindness.  Visit your school library to find even more!

pinkshirt_kindbooks_2017

Riot of Reading 2018

The Riot of Reading Solutions 15th annual Family Literacy Fair is on Saturday, February 3rd from 11 – 3 pm at Ecole Mission Central.

Mission Teacher Librarians will be there and our theme is “Winter Rainy Day Family Activities”.  Visit our table to see connecting stories and make a winter/rainy day craft!

Exciting events taking place that day include:

  • Pizza, cake and refreshments.
  • Exciting entertainment  (New and great surprises! )

How can you participate in Family Literacy Day? Here are some ideas for inspiration:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0SF5XG1AkA?rel=0

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0m4XUOHlp3E?rel=0

Activity Ideas:

fld_2017_eng fld_2017_fr

Source: ABC Life Literacy Learn at Play, Everyday Activities (English and French)

Book Trailers

Here are some new book trailers to watch and think about:

The Wolf, the Duck and the Mouse:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=oArGk32ezz8?rel=0

Windows:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=21&v=HFFM64598vE?rel=0

This House, Once (song adapted from the book)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=28&v=pS2ynR5UcTE?rel=0

Red and Lulu:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=43FX4SkEJvw?rel=0

Claymates:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=9&v=lsalx6qsAxc?rel=0

Check out Mrs. Bout’s Book Trailer Playlist from Silverdale Library!

Media Literacy Week 2017

mlwlogo

Here is a sample video from the ‘Media Minute’ series – a unit of videos and lessons designed specifically for elementary students.

For Families:

Ideas for Families (Tips, Games, Videos, Tutorials)

For Teachers:

Ideas for Educators (Media Literacy Week)

All About Me (Career Education Resource) – Digital Literacy Lesson Plans

Use, Understand & Create: A Digital Literacy Framework for Canadian Schools (“Teachers can access digital literacy classroom resources aligned with curriculum outcomes set out by their province or territory.”)

Digital and Media Literacy Fundamentals

Media Literacy 101 (Media Minute Videos and Lessons)

MediaSmarts Lessons and Resources (Search by topic/grade)

 

Picture Book Month

November is Picture Book Month! 

Author Katie Davis produced this video with quotes from beloved and famous authors and illustrators all answering the same question;

“What is a picture book?”

For Students:

What is a picture book to you?  Do you have a favourite picture book?  Visit your school library to borrow picture books this month.

You might like these books for “Roc Your Mocs” Day in November:

moccasins3moccasins moccasins2  moccasins4

Calendar:

How the Calendar Works

“Each day, an author/illustrator, our Picture Book Month Champion, is listed. On that day he/she has an essay posted on the Picture Book Month website about the importance of picture books. Check back every day of November for a new essay.

Each day is also marked with a theme. Use these daily themes to plan story times, blog about your favorite picture books in that theme, or create themed displays.” (Source: Picture Book Month, Calendar)

For Teachers:

  • Picture Book Month Teacher’s Guide (Ideas for using picture books in ELA, Science, Math and Social Studies)
  • Adrienne Gear’s new units featuring picture books for Grades 2-7 ” We Are All Connected

Why Picture Books are Important:

rukhsana-khan-book-coverRukhsana Khan

rob-scotton-book-coverRob Scotton

ame-dyckman-coverAme Dyckman

Veteran’s Week 2017

#CanadaRemembers

Veterans’ Week 2017, November 5 to 11

Remembering Passchendaele

“Canadians have a proud history of bravely serving in the cause of peace and freedom over the years. A name from Canada’s First World War military heritage that still stirs emotions is “Passchendaele.” On a muddy battlefield in northwest Belgium, Canadians overcame almost unimaginable hardships to win an impressive victory in the fall of 1917.” (Source: Veterans Affairs Canada)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=18&v=lQjU8gqWMSw?rel=0

Link to Indigenous-Canadian Veterans information: (Indigenous Veterans Day is November 8th)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RrtGg3KnR4?rel=0

Radio Minute: Tommy Prince

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2Z6RSKbrw0?rel=0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7jla_6CD3A?rel=0

Information about and significance of the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument :national-aboriginal-monument

Song: A Pittance of Time

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kX_3y3u5Uo?rel=0

Interactive Activity: (Ages 10+)

Over the Top: An Interactive Adventure

“An activity created by the Canadian War Museum to help students understand the First World War from a soldier’s perspective. The activity’s interactive nature and its animation-based format will appeal to younger students. Includes a glossary of terms. (Recommended for ages 10 and up.)”

Canadian Encyclopedia Articles:

Additional Resources:

 

Dot Day 2017

Make your mark this school year!  September 15th-ish is International Dot Day!  Join the celebration of creativity, courage and collaboration! Based on the story “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds, this is a great way to start the year by celebrating the creative talents of children.

Watch the videos below to see examples of students collaborating creatively and get inspired to create:

http://animoto.com/play/CTF6JLGlvmRFNqnyN6sgmA?utm_source=thedotclub.org&utm_medium=player&utm_campaign=player

http://youtu.be/CseZabRV-Mw?rel=0

 Resources:

Clip Art Collection (by Peter H. Reynolds)

International Dot Day website: Get Inspired

Multi-language Dot Day Posters

Poster Gallery:  (many themes, including A Thinking Journey & Think Globally)

Sparking the Creative Spirit: Tips for Inspiring Writing, Creativity, Self-Expression and a Wonderful Journey

 

 

 

Everyone Can Learn!

Welcome back to school!  

You are a valued member of this learning community! 

It’s a great time of year to set goals for new learning challenges and adventures.  Watch the videos below for an introduction to the idea of using a ‘Growth Mindset’ as you learn new ideas this year.

What is a Growth Mindset?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh0OS4MrN3E?rel=0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JC82Il2cjqA?rel=0

Growth Mindset for Students (video series by ClassDojo.com)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zrtHt3bBmQ?rel=0

Sesame Street Songs:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLeUvZvuvAs?rel=0

  • What I Am by will.i.am

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyVzjoj96vs?rel=0

 

Look for these Growth Mindset books at a school library near you:

  

Picture

Resources for Teachers/Parents:

Beautiful Oops!  Educator’s Guide & Project Ideas

Mindset Kit: “The Mindset Kit is a free set of online lessons and practices designed to help you teach and foster adaptive beliefs about learning.”

The Growth Mindset Coach: Recommended by Adrienne Gear as a Professional Development resource.  The messages, books and videos in this post are recommended in this book.

The Most Magnificent Thing: Teaching Guide

The Power of Believing that You Can Improve (Carol Dweck)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X0mgOOSpLU?rel=0

Cardboard Challenge

This September, get creative with cardboard and other recycled materials.  Participate in the Global Cardboard Challenge, which culminates in a day of play on October 7th.

Be inspired:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faIFNkdq96U?rel=0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ul9c-4dX4Hk?rel=0

Additional Resources:

Organizer Playbook (Guide)

Design for Change Playbook

Info sheet and FAQ

Mission Children’s Festival

Message from the organizers (Mission Arts Council):

This year the Mission Arts Council’s 22nd annual Fraser Valley Children’s Festival is on June 10th, 2018 at Fraser River Heritage Park, from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Admission is FREE, and parking is by donation. There will be some food trucks on location, but you’re welcome to bring a picnic lunch.

WE WANT YOU TO HAVE A GOOD TIME AT THE FESTIVAL

1. Dress for the weather Rain or shine, the Festival will go on! Make sure to pack a raincoat or umbrella for a wet day and sunscreen for a sunny day!

2. Be safe and courteous. Don’t forget the buddy system! All children must be accompanied by an adult. Respect the personal space of all performers by ensuring the children are at a safe distance. Roving Performers are people too!

3. Arrive any time between 10 am and 4pm. At our main stage we do have a tight schedule and we try to have all shows start on time. Come early, check out the event and pick the show you want to see. Get your favourite seat, either on the grass or even better bring a lawn chair, sit back, relax and enjoy the show!

4. Plan your day; there is a lot to do and see at the Fraser Valley Children’s Festival. In addition to all of the great Festival shows and activities, you never know what creative fun will happen at the Festival, so leave a little time for the unexpected! In addition to theChildren’s Festival have a walk around the beautiful Fraser River Heritage Park and enjoy the vista’s of the Fraser River and Sumas Mountain.

5. Nourish the soul and your belly Plan to have lunch at the Festival. Our vendors provide good healthy food and yummy treats, or if you like, bring a picnic. There are lots of places on site to sit down and enjoy a lunch!

Science Odyssey

Ten days of discovery and innovation

May 12-21st, 2017

“Science Odyssey is Canada’s largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, featuring fun and inspiring experiences in museums, research centres, laboratories and classrooms from coast to coast.

Powered by NSERC, Science Odyssey demonstrates how discoveries and innovations shape our daily lives and foster a strong science culture in Canada.” (Source: Government of Canada)

Click on the images below for details:

Click on the poster to see detailed experiments that go with these activities!

 

International Museum Day

International Museum Day is on May 18th.

The goal of this day is to raise awareness that “Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples.” (International Council of Museums)

Do you have a favourite museum that you like to visit?  What is it that you like about the museum?

Here are some virtual museum exhibits that you might like to visit:

Sq’éwlets: A Stó:lō-Coast Salish Community in the Fraser River Valley (available in English and French with Halq̓eméylem) (Creators: The Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre)

A Scholar’s Garden (available in English, French and Chinese) (Creator(s): Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden)

Canada Under the Stars (available in English and French) (Creator(s): ASTROLab du Mont-Mégantic)

Video Clips from Canadian Museums:

The Canadian Stamp (Canadian Museum of History)

Nature Scoop Playlist: (Canadian Museum of Nature)

Begins with: Forest and seaside lichen adventure in Kejimkujik

For Teachers:

“On May 18th, through the celebration of International Museum Day, museums around the world will raise awareness of the important role they play in the development of society. Established in 1977 by the International Council of Museums (ICOM), this day reminds us that museums are “an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples”. *

This month’s resources allow students to think critically about the decisions that museums and historians make. Younger students can begin by examining local historical landmarks and the clues they offer about their community. For older students, considering the rightful ownership of historical artifacts, the naming and dedication of museums and the techniques experts use to detect forgeries will assist them in recognizing and thinking critically about some of the issues museum curators may face.” (Source: The Thinking Teacher, The Critical Thinking Consortium, April 19, 2017.)

Free resources:

Critical Challenge: Community landmarks have stories to tell [PDF]

Grade range: Primary

View more resources in the Critical Challenges collection.

Critical Challenge: Alberta’s fossil heritage [Web]

Grade range: Intermediate

View more resources in the Critical Challenges collection.

 

Learning for the 21st Century