Due to an unforeseen set of circumstances, I have been spending more time in the school library than I have for years. As the once again, president of the the British Columbia Literacy Council of the ILA (International Literacy Association), and a lover of books, this is a bonus for me. Talking to kids aboutContinue reading “Entering the World of Graphic Novels”
Category Archives: Book Reviews
Who are “Breakaway Learners”?
Sometimes, happenstance or serendipity, or whatever you want to call it, just happens. Subject line in my overly full email inbox reads: A seemingly out of the blue email from a children’ book author based in US and living at UBC The text: Long story short, I am a visiting scholar at UBC through MarchContinue reading “Who are “Breakaway Learners”?”
Work Intensification & The Brain
I am a grand fan of technology. It opens up possibilities for how we work, how we teach and how we connect with the like-minded, inspiring and divergent thinkers who we wouldn’t run into in the local Starbucks. The down-side is the work intensification. It is literally possible to work 24/7 and still never finishContinue reading “Work Intensification & The Brain”
Deborah Hodge Talks the Craft of Writing
There is nothing like the visit from a REAL author to bring to life the point that authors are real people, writing about their experiences or imaginings. We are thrilled to welcome Deborah Hodge to speak to the Vancouver School Board. Deborah Hodge will be joining administrators, librarians and two students from 55 Vancouver elementary schoolsContinue reading “Deborah Hodge Talks the Craft of Writing”
Pursuing the Organized Mind
I have been described as a fast processor, divergent thinker, creative, the Tasmanian Devil (cartoon version) on speed and masterful multi-tasker. I have also been informed my desk is too messy, my purse too full and my overstuffed bags should not be carried back and forth from home to school. This being the case, IContinue reading “Pursuing the Organized Mind”
What Matters Most?
Santa chose a winner with the book selection for my stocking this year, Fifteen Dogs by Andre Alexis. This Giller prize winner is a quick, enjoyable read with prompts pondering of the big questions of life. Apollo and Hermes make a bet that given human intelligence, any animal would be even more unhappy thanContinue reading “What Matters Most?”
Building a Community of Literacy Educators
The BC Literacy Council of the International Reading Association (BCLCIRA), commonly known as ReadingBC, has long been committed to improving student engagement in books and proficiency in literacy. Members read journals such as The Reading Teacher, Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy, attend conferences and get together to discuss things they have tried in their classroomsContinue reading “Building a Community of Literacy Educators”
The Vancouver Kidsbooks Experience
Vancouver Kidsbooks is the quintessential Children’s bookstore. Phyllis Simon opened her first Kidsbooks in Kitsilano in 1983. Since then stores have followed in North Vancouver and Surrey. The constant has been knowledgeable and friendly staff who exude enthusiasm for matching books with kids. I became an International Reading Association member (now International Literacy Association) asContinue reading “The Vancouver Kidsbooks Experience”
Talking Technology Tools
I am currently working with a team of teachers in my school, Tecumseh Elementary, on a Technology pilot project: PROFESSIONALS INVESTIGATING LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES WITH TECHNOLOGY. Our tools include 20 iPads for classroom use, 3 iPads for Resource teacher use, 5 desktop computers in the library and apple TV. Have we gotten over talking tools yet?Continue reading “Talking Technology Tools”
James Paul Gee: What you NEED to know about Digital Literacy & Social Media
I was fortunate to be able to hear James Paul Gee talk at The Learning and the Brain Conference in New York this past May. He was as dynamic and animated as you would expect from an innovator challenging many entrenched views of education, learning and their relationship to digital learning and social media. Of theContinue reading “James Paul Gee: What you NEED to know about Digital Literacy & Social Media”
Inquire2Empower Consulting 