Category Archives: Books

Activity, Books, Storyteller, Video

Earth Day 2023

Earth Day 2023:

Earth Day Stories:

Tumblebooks: (access via Learn75, no password required)

What happens when one small boy picks up one small piece of litter? He doesn’t know it, but his tiny act has big consequences. From the miniscule to the universal, What Matters sensitively explores nature’s connections and traces the ripple effects of one child’s good deed to show how we can all make a big difference.

You Are Stardust begins by introducing the idea that every tiny atom in our bodies came from a star that exploded long before we were born. From its opening pages, the book suggests that we are intimately connected to the natural world; it compares the way we learn to speak to the way baby birds learn to sing, and the growth of human bodies to the growth of forests. This innovative picture book aims to reintroduce children to their innate relationship with the world around them by sharing many of the surprising ways that we are all connected to the natural world.

Wild Ideas looks deep into the forests, skies and oceans to explore how animals solve problems. Whether it’s weaving a safe place to rest and reflect, blowing a fine net of bubbles to trap fish, or leaping boldly into a new situation, the animals featured (including the orangutan, humpback whale and gibbon) can teach us a lot about creative problem solving tools and strategies. Wild Ideas encourages an inquiry-based approach to learning, inviting readers to indulge their sense of wonder and curiosity by observing the natural world, engaging with big ideas and asking questions.

Articles  and Activity Ideas from CBC Kids:

Books, Event, Video

February 14th: Have a Heart Day 2023

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”

Activity Ideas:

  • Spread the word through social media like YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. Use the hashtag #HaveaHeartDay and/or #JourneeAyezUnCoeur.

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.”

Teachers: More resources are available here

  • Borrow Spirit Bear books by Cindy Blackstock from your school or Siwal Si’wes Library.
  • 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.
Books, Event

Pink Shirt Day 2023

Mark your calendar: Pink Shirt Day is February 22rd, 2023.

PinkShirt_2023

“Today our diversity is becoming more visible than ever as people continue to embrace their cultures, identities, and true selves in more open and direct ways; making the need to Lift Each Other Up and have greater acceptance, respect, and inclusion for everyone so important. This year we are asking you to join us in celebrating our diversity while raising funds to support inclusive anti-bullying programs for kids in our communities.”  (https://www.pinkshirtday.ca/)

Where did Pink Shirt Day come from?

In 2007 in Nova Scotia, Grade 12 students David Shepherd, Travis Price and a few friends saw that a grade 9 student was being bullied for wearing a pink shirt on the first day of school.

They knew they had to do something to show that this kind of behavior was not okay.

They decided to go out and buy pink shirts and hand them out to other students to wear.

By the end of that week, most of the students in the school were wearing pink shirts to show support for the grade 9 student who was bullied.

On February 23rd, wear something pink to show that we are all working together to erase bullying in our community.

Resources:

Book recommendations:

(Educator/Family guide also available.)

Activity, Books, Storyteller, Video

Earth Day 2022

Earth Day Stories:

Tumblebooks: (access via Learn75, no password required)

What happens when one small boy picks up one small piece of litter? He doesn’t know it, but his tiny act has big consequences. From the miniscule to the universal, What Matters sensitively explores nature’s connections and traces the ripple effects of one child’s good deed to show how we can all make a big difference.

You Are Stardust begins by introducing the idea that every tiny atom in our bodies came from a star that exploded long before we were born. From its opening pages, the book suggests that we are intimately connected to the natural world; it compares the way we learn to speak to the way baby birds learn to sing, and the growth of human bodies to the growth of forests. This innovative picture book aims to reintroduce children to their innate relationship with the world around them by sharing many of the surprising ways that we are all connected to the natural world.

Wild Ideas looks deep into the forests, skies and oceans to explore how animals solve problems. Whether it’s weaving a safe place to rest and reflect, blowing a fine net of bubbles to trap fish, or leaping boldly into a new situation, the animals featured (including the orangutan, humpback whale and gibbon) can teach us a lot about creative problem solving tools and strategies. Wild Ideas encourages an inquiry-based approach to learning, inviting readers to indulge their sense of wonder and curiosity by observing the natural world, engaging with big ideas and asking questions.

Articles  and Activity Ideas from CBC Kids:

Books, Event

Pink Shirt Day 2022

Mark your calendar: Pink Shirt Day is February 23rd, 2022.

PinkShirt_2022

“Today our diversity is becoming more visible than ever as people continue to embrace their cultures, identities, and true selves in more open and direct ways; making the need to Lift Each Other Up and have greater acceptance, respect, and inclusion for everyone so important. This year we are asking you to join us in celebrating our diversity while raising funds to support inclusive anti-bullying programs for kids in our communities.”  (https://www.pinkshirtday.ca/)

Where did Pink Shirt Day come from?

In 2007 in Nova Scotia, Grade 12 students David Shepherd, Travis Price and a few friends saw that a grade 9 student was being bullied for wearing a pink shirt on the first day of school.

They knew they had to do something to show that this kind of behavior was not okay.

They decided to go out and buy pink shirts and hand them out to other students to wear.

By the end of that week, most of the students in the school were wearing pink shirts to show support for the grade 9 student who was bullied.

On February 23rd, wear something pink to show that we are all working together to erase bullying in our community.

Resources:

Book recommendations:

(Educator/Family guide also available.)

Books, Event, Video

Have a Heart Day 2022

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”

Activity Ideas:

  • Spread the word through social media like YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. Use the hashtag #HaveaHeartDay and/or #JourneeAyezUnCoeur.

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.”

Teachers: More resources are available here

  • Borrow Spirit Bear books by Cindy Blackstock from your school or Siwal Si’wes Library.
  • 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.
Books, Lesson

Métis Christmas Mittens

The holiday season has always been a very special time for Métis families.  A family-oriented people, the Métis often didn’t have money to buy expensive presents, but instead made practical items with much love.  In this spirit, award-winning author and illustrator, Leah Marie Dorion takes readers back to the Métis tradition of making mittens for loved ones. Métis Christmas Mittens is a touching ode to Métis family life is accompanied by Leah’s distinctive and evocative art. (Source: Gabriel Dumont Institute)

Look for this book in your local school or public library!

Here is a read aloud with Santa, presented by the Métis Nation of Alberta:

Educator Resources:

Activity, Books, Storyteller, Video

Earth Day 2021

Earth Day Stories:

636809

Tumblebooks: (access via Learn75, no password required)

What happens when one small boy picks up one small piece of litter? He doesn’t know it, but his tiny act has big consequences. From the miniscule to the universal, What Matters sensitively explores nature’s connections and traces the ripple effects of one child’s good deed to show how we can all make a big difference.

You Are Stardust begins by introducing the idea that every tiny atom in our bodies came from a star that exploded long before we were born. From its opening pages, the book suggests that we are intimately connected to the natural world; it compares the way we learn to speak to the way baby birds learn to sing, and the growth of human bodies to the growth of forests. This innovative picture book aims to reintroduce children to their innate relationship with the world around them by sharing many of the surprising ways that we are all connected to the natural world.

Wild Ideas looks deep into the forests, skies and oceans to explore how animals solve problems. Whether it’s weaving a safe place to rest and reflect, blowing a fine net of bubbles to trap fish, or leaping boldly into a new situation, the animals featured (including the orangutan, humpback whale and gibbon) can teach us a lot about creative problem solving tools and strategies. Wild Ideas encourages an inquiry-based approach to learning, inviting readers to indulge their sense of wonder and curiosity by observing the natural world, engaging with big ideas and asking questions.

Articles  and Activity Ideas from CBC Kids:

Books, Event, Video

Have a Heart Day 2021

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”

 

Activity Ideas:

  • Host a socially distanced 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. Click here for a link to a poster you can use.
  • Spread the word through social media like YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. Use the hashtag #HaveaHeartDay and/or #JourneeAyezUnCoeur.

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.”

Teachers: More resources are available here

  • Borrow Spirit Bear books by Cindy Blackstock from your school or Siwal Si’wes Library.
  • 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.
Books, Event

FVRL 2020 Summer Reading Club

SUMMER READING CLUBS

Explore our universe! Discover the great unknown this summer when you join FVRL’s 2020 Summer Reading Club. There is a club for everyone!

  • Read To Me (0 to Preschool) Share stories, record reading, collect stickers, win prizes and get a medal.
  • Kids (grades K to 6) 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 begins when you sign up online for a SRC reading record. Includes chances to win fantastic prizes.
  • Adults Sign up for a reading record and mark your reading to enter prize draws. The more you read, the more chances to win.

How do I join? Sign up starts June 12 and continues throughout the summer.

How does it work? You and your family members can sign up online and download a reading record! Record every day that you read for fifteen minutes or more! You can read anywhere! Once you have recorded seven days of reading, you can enter our online contest for great prizes!

Programs and Events

It wouldn’t be Summer Reading Club without a great lineup of events throughout the summer. We have virtual storytellers, puppet shows, parties, awards ceremonies and more! Check out our spectacular guest performers.

  • Norden the Magician: Norden is back with a magic show full of amazing tricks and wacky gags. Be prepared to join the fun!
  • Puppets with Elspeth: Master puppeteer Elspeth and her puppet friends present rollicking fun stories and songs that will help unlock new discoveries as we explore.
  • Panagaea Arts: Panagaea Arts presents Stories on Wheels. Based on Kamishibai, a traditional form of travelling street theater from Japan. Tales are brought to life by high-energy comic performance, music, and dramatic action.
  • Music with Marnie: Discover the fun of music with Marnie. Sing along and dance as Marnie presents old favourites and new original songs. The music will make you move!

A full list of the SRC 2020 virtual events will be listed on our Events page soon!

Accessible Summer Reading Club

Find accessible Summer Reading Club titles through NNELS. FVRL also has ebook and audiobook formats to better serve customers with perceptual disabilities. Ask library staff for more information. (Source: FVRL, June 2020)

Ready to get reading!  FVRL Express is up and running!

Beginning June 1 you can start picking up library holds using our FVRL Express – Click, Pick, Go. The new contactless service offers customers a physically distanced way to pick up library holds and return items at all 25 locations.

Click on the image below for more information:

Activity, Books, Storyteller, Video

Earth Day 2020

Earth Day Stories:

636809

Tumblebooks: (username= tumble735, password = books)

What happens when one small boy picks up one small piece of litter? He doesn’t know it, but his tiny act has big consequences. From the miniscule to the universal, What Matters sensitively explores nature’s connections and traces the ripple effects of one child’s good deed to show how we can all make a big difference.

You Are Stardust begins by introducing the idea that every tiny atom in our bodies came from a star that exploded long before we were born. From its opening pages, the book suggests that we are intimately connected to the natural world; it compares the way we learn to speak to the way baby birds learn to sing, and the growth of human bodies to the growth of forests. This innovative picture book aims to reintroduce children to their innate relationship with the world around them by sharing many of the surprising ways that we are all connected to the natural world.

Wild Ideas looks deep into the forests, skies and oceans to explore how animals solve problems. Whether it’s weaving a safe place to rest and reflect, blowing a fine net of bubbles to trap fish, or leaping boldly into a new situation, the animals featured (including the orangutan, humpback whale and gibbon) can teach us a lot about creative problem solving tools and strategies. Wild Ideas encourages an inquiry-based approach to learning, inviting readers to indulge their sense of wonder and curiosity by observing the natural world, engaging with big ideas and asking questions.

Articles  and Activity Ideas from CBC Kids:

 

 

 

Activity, Books, Video

Family Fun this Summer

Here are some great books and activities about families.

The Family Book and colouring page:

Click on the photos below to open the printable version:

Dipnetting with Dad (look for this book in your school library!)

The Making of Dipnetting with Dad:

Teacher’s Guide 

Activities:

What Makes a Family?  Watch and listen to the song and try the activities from Wonderopolis below.

Read/listen to a Wonder-of-the-day:  “What Makes a Family?”  Try some of  the family activities (and look at a very cute photo of a meerkat family).

Books, Event

FVRL 2019 Summer Reading Club

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SUMMER READING CLUBS

“Imagine the possibilities! Dream and discover endless possibilities all summer when you join FVRL’s 2019 Summer Reading Club. There is a club for everyone!

  • Read To Me (0 to Preschool) Share stories, record reading, collect stickers, win prizes and get a medal.
  • Kids (grades K to 6) 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 begins when you pick up an SRC reading record. Includes chances to win fantastic prizes.
  • Adults Take home a reading record and mark your reading to enter prize draws. The more you read, the more chances to win.

How do I join? Sign up starts June 21 and continues throughout the summer. Visit your favourite FVRL location to join.

How does it work? You and your family members can pick up a reading record at your local library! Record every day that you read for fifteen minutes or more! You can read at home, in the library, on a beach, anywhere! Once you have recorded seven days of reading, come back to the library for stickers and prizes!

Programs and Events

It wouldn’t be Summer Reading Club without a great lineup of events throughout the summer. We have storytellers, puppet shows, parties, awards ceremonies and more! Check out our spectacular guest performers at a library near you.

  • The Great Gordini: Join the Great Gordini for a show filled with magic tricks, wacky fun, and a lot of opportunities to participate.
  • Karima Essa: Experience the magic and joy of dance and storytelling as Karima Essa performs Bollywood dance.
  • Tiffany Stone: Join poet Tiffany Stone for poems and rhymes about flaming flamingos, baaaad animals and rainbow colored clothes.
  • The Well Worn Trail: Discover fascinating facts about Canadian animals and their habitats. Storytellers Rob and Lillian use puppetry, songs and story to kindle the wonder of nature.

Visit our Events page for a full list of SRC 2019 Events!

Accessible Summer Reading Club

Find accessible Summer Reading Club titles through NNELS. FVRL also has ebook and audiobook formats to better serve customers with perceptual disabilities. Ask library staff for more information.

The possibilities you explore this summer are limited only by your imagination when you join 2019 Summer Reading Club!” (Source: FVRL, 2019)

Books

What’s Growing This Spring?

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It’s spring and a time of plant growth and development.  What’s growing around your school or in your school garden?

Here’s some inspiration – look for these books in your school library:

Winner of First Nation Communities Read:

(Books below are recommended by Adrienne Gear)

7149888

Flip, Float, Fly: Seeds on the Move

158254

334818

Teachers:

Visit the Environmental Learning page on Curriculum Connections for a wealth of planting resources, shared by Dewdney Elementary School.