A Reminder Bag

I am grateful that my sons' have had such fantastic teachers at their school.

I do love this idea from Bruno's teacher.  At the parent teacher night, she made a little bag filled with small items, with a note that explained what each item represents.  I would love to make my own "Reminder Bag" with a class, if I ever go back to teaching a class.  This note reminds me of why we do our job and our mission as teachers to care for and support our community. (Note:  there is a religious message in the note above, as our sons' attend a Catholic school, however, depending on where and what you teach, you can frame your message any way you like!)

What would you put in your reminder bag?

A Reminder Bag

I am grateful that my sons' have had such fantastic teachers at their school.

I do love this idea from Bruno's teacher.  At the parent teacher night, she made a little bag filled with small items, with a note that explained what each item represents.  I would love to make my own "Reminder Bag" with a class, if I ever go back to teaching a class.  This note reminds me of why we do our job and our mission as teachers to care for and support our community. (Note:  there is a religious message in the note above, as our sons' attend a Catholic school, however, depending on where and what you teach, you can frame your message any way you like!)

What would you put in your reminder bag?

A Back to School Read for Friday's Fiction

I am starting a weekly segment called "Friday's Fiction" whereby I will review books (on Fridays) to use in the classroom. 

I bought this book on Pender Island this summer, and I fell in love with the illustrations.

This book is about a new student who has to sit at the front of the class, and sits next to the narrator.  Marshall's "things are different than mine", and he "doesn't eat normal food" is how the narrator views the new boy.  
So, we are introduced to Marshall Armstrong, who does things a little differently!

The narrator goes on to state:
"Marshall Armstrong doesn't have a TV at home.  Her prefers the paper.  His dad says it gives him a good perspective.
Marshall Armstrong doesn't fit  in at our school.  Not one bit."

Finally, the narrator is invited to Marshall's birthday, which he doesn't really want to go to; but surprisingly, Marshall has the greatest house:  
"We can run around inside and... There is a Mexican pinata to open.  We play hide and seek all over the house.  We rebuild Mr. Armstrong's train set.  We take turns to look at the sky through a telescope, and through a microscope at the cut on Jane's arm."

The narrator has a great time, and thinks differently about Marshall.
Finally, another new student (Elizabeth Bell) arrives at the school, and the narrator says, "I tell Miss Wright that she should sit at the front with me and Marshall for the first few days, until she settles in."

Why would a child/gifted student like this book?
The illustrations are wonderful, and the humour is fantasic.  All students will like this book, especially when they get to the part about Marshall's fabulous house and his birthday party!
What's life got to do with it?
This book is great to use in the beginning of the school year to introduce new students to the classroom, and talk about how we are individuals. I would discuss the idea of being new, and how that can be very difficult.  I would use it to talk about how we each have our own individual style and ways of learning.


How would one use this book in the classroom, for discussions, extensions?
Teachers can use this as a writing prompt to write about "The first day of school" or "how are you like Marshall Armstrong..." 

I would use this book to talk about identity, friendship, and understanding for others.  For example, I would talk about how students eat different kinds of food, and that it is wonderful to explore and appreciate our culinary differences in class.  I would talk about Marshall Armstrong's home and his birthday, and how Marshall's home may be different from your own, and that is interesting and exciting. 

Personally, I bought the book for the illustrations and the humour, and because I love the look of the book.  I enjoy pouring over the illustrations and  seeing how the author builds the story around the great drawings!  David Mackintosh has wonderful talent, and I am looking forward to more of his books!

A Back to School Read for Friday's Fiction

I am starting a weekly segment called "Friday's Fiction" whereby I will review books (on Fridays) to use in the classroom. 

I bought this book on Pender Island this summer, and I fell in love with the illustrations.

This book is about a new student who has to sit at the front of the class, and sits next to the narrator.  Marshall's "things are different than mine", and he "doesn't eat normal food" is how the narrator views the new boy.  
So, we are introduced to Marshall Armstrong, who does things a little differently!

The narrator goes on to state:
"Marshall Armstrong doesn't have a TV at home.  Her prefers the paper.  His dad says it gives him a good perspective.
Marshall Armstrong doesn't fit  in at our school.  Not one bit."

Finally, the narrator is invited to Marshall's birthday, which he doesn't really want to go to; but surprisingly, Marshall has the greatest house:  
"We can run around inside and... There is a Mexican pinata to open.  We play hide and seek all over the house.  We rebuild Mr. Armstrong's train set.  We take turns to look at the sky through a telescope, and through a microscope at the cut on Jane's arm."

The narrator has a great time, and thinks differently about Marshall.
Finally, another new student (Elizabeth Bell) arrives at the school, and the narrator says, "I tell Miss Wright that she should sit at the front with me and Marshall for the first few days, until she settles in."

Why would a child/gifted student like this book?
The illustrations are wonderful, and the humour is fantasic.  All students will like this book, especially when they get to the part about Marshall's fabulous house and his birthday party!
What's life got to do with it?
This book is great to use in the beginning of the school year to introduce new students to the classroom, and talk about how we are individuals. I would discuss the idea of being new, and how that can be very difficult.  I would use it to talk about how we each have our own individual style and ways of learning.


How would one use this book in the classroom, for discussions, extensions?
Teachers can use this as a writing prompt to write about "The first day of school" or "how are you like Marshall Armstrong..." 

I would use this book to talk about identity, friendship, and understanding for others.  For example, I would talk about how students eat different kinds of food, and that it is wonderful to explore and appreciate our culinary differences in class.  I would talk about Marshall Armstrong's home and his birthday, and how Marshall's home may be different from your own, and that is interesting and exciting. 

Personally, I bought the book for the illustrations and the humour, and because I love the look of the book.  I enjoy pouring over the illustrations and  seeing how the author builds the story around the great drawings!  David Mackintosh has wonderful talent, and I am looking forward to more of his books!

Resource Teachers Orientation Sessions

Being a resource teacher is equivalent to being a super-hero!  All the things to know and to do and forms to fill out....

Often, resource teachers are given the task of supporting gifted students in their schools.  I am indebted to you for taking on this task and for being our link and support in the schools.  A million thanks to all of you!

At the beginning of the school year, there are wonderful sessions for resource teachers, and I am offering a session to help support gifted learners!

Here's the info:

An Introduction to the Challenge Centre Referral Process and Administering the Canadian Test of Cognitive Skills

Part one of this program introduces you to the Challenge Centre located at Brock Elementary, and briefly discusses the kinds of learning that take place and the students who most benefit from participation.  You will learn how to write and submit effective referrals, and how to track participation in gifted programming.

Part two covers the procedures for administering the Canadian Test of Cognitive Skills.  This test is used as a screening tool for some gifted programs (MACC), but not for the challenge centre.  However, it is a useful tool to get more information about a student, particularly if you want to know their cognitive strengths.  

When:  Wed. Sept. 21, 2011
Time:   1-3 pm
Where:  VSB Room 108



Our Team in Gifted Education, is also offering two other workshops for resource teachers:


Working with Twice Exceptional Learners
Do you work with gifted students who have challenges with written output, organization, social skills, or have other learning difficulties?  You may be working with a Twice Exceptional (Gifted LD) learner.
This session will provide a general overview of working with Twice Exceptional learners in the Resource room and classroom and will provide a toolkit including:  Identification and Adaptation checklists, a handbook with classroom strategies, and information on writing IEP's for Gifted and Twice Exceptional learners.


When:  Tues. Sept. 27th
Time:  9-12
Where:  VSB Room 120
Presenter:  Megan Chrostowski


Identifying Gifted Learners
Who is the gifted child?  The definition goes beyond a high IQ.  This workshop will be helpful in identifying students for district and school-based VSB gifted/enrichment programs and services.  It will provide participants with assessment techniques and tools based on gifted learners' talents, interests, and unique academic and emotional needs.  Procedures to follow when applying for a "P" designation will be discussed.


When:  Thurs. Sept. 15/2011
Time:    9-12
Where: VSB Room 108
Presenter: Rosemary Burd and Teresa Milden

For all of these programs, please go to the VSB website Professional Development Opportunities and sign up. There are still spaces!

Resource Teachers Orientation Sessions

Being a resource teacher is equivalent to being a super-hero!  All the things to know and to do and forms to fill out....

Often, resource teachers are given the task of supporting gifted students in their schools.  I am indebted to you for taking on this task and for being our link and support in the schools.  A million thanks to all of you!

At the beginning of the school year, there are wonderful sessions for resource teachers, and I am offering a session to help support gifted learners!

Here's the info:

An Introduction to the Challenge Centre Referral Process and Administering the Canadian Test of Cognitive Skills

Part one of this program introduces you to the Challenge Centre located at Brock Elementary, and briefly discusses the kinds of learning that take place and the students who most benefit from participation.  You will learn how to write and submit effective referrals, and how to track participation in gifted programming.

Part two covers the procedures for administering the Canadian Test of Cognitive Skills.  This test is used as a screening tool for some gifted programs (MACC), but not for the challenge centre.  However, it is a useful tool to get more information about a student, particularly if you want to know their cognitive strengths.  

When:  Wed. Sept. 21, 2011
Time:   1-3 pm
Where:  VSB Room 108



Our Team in Gifted Education, is also offering two other workshops for resource teachers:


Working with Twice Exceptional Learners
Do you work with gifted students who have challenges with written output, organization, social skills, or have other learning difficulties?  You may be working with a Twice Exceptional (Gifted LD) learner.
This session will provide a general overview of working with Twice Exceptional learners in the Resource room and classroom and will provide a toolkit including:  Identification and Adaptation checklists, a handbook with classroom strategies, and information on writing IEP's for Gifted and Twice Exceptional learners.


When:  Tues. Sept. 27th
Time:  9-12
Where:  VSB Room 120
Presenter:  Megan Chrostowski


Identifying Gifted Learners
Who is the gifted child?  The definition goes beyond a high IQ.  This workshop will be helpful in identifying students for district and school-based VSB gifted/enrichment programs and services.  It will provide participants with assessment techniques and tools based on gifted learners' talents, interests, and unique academic and emotional needs.  Procedures to follow when applying for a "P" designation will be discussed.


When:  Thurs. Sept. 15/2011
Time:    9-12
Where: VSB Room 108
Presenter: Rosemary Burd and Teresa Milden

For all of these programs, please go to the VSB website Professional Development Opportunities and sign up. There are still spaces!

Welcome to the School Year

Welcome back teachers, administrators, parents, and students!

I am happy to launch the school year, and work with students again!  I hope your summer was fantastic, restful, and inspiring.

Teachers in Vancouver and the province (who are members of the British Columbia Teacher's Federation) are in phase one of job action.  Teachers are trying to achieve improvements to conditions in our schools along with a fair and reasonable salary and benefits package.  The union (BCTF) and BCPSEA (BC Public School Employer's Association) are negotiating our collective agreement. Bargaining must be a difficult and tenuous process for both sides - I can't imagine being part of this complex process!

What does this mean for teachers, and specifically, the Challenge Centre?  

I am in the process of clarifying this for teachers who want to refer students to our gifted programs. Here are a few things I do know:


Teachers can submit referrals to programs, as long as the paperwork is done during school time.


Teachers can attend our Contact Meeting on Oct. 3rd, as it will be during school hours and is lead by other teachers.


I will be updating this blog as to what can and can't be done with regards to job action and the challenge centre. 


Well, let's do our best and inspire our students! 


"The important thing is not so much that every child should be taught, as that every child should be given the wish to learn" - John Lubbock (1834-1913); English writer.