Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Best Version of Ourselves

This year I have read a plethora of reasons NOT to participate in the tradition of New Year’s resolutions:  “If you can’t love yourself at 185 lbs., you can’t love yourself at 150 lbs.”  “Embrace who you are.”  “Be gentle with yourself.”  I am a believer in self care and proactive, positive change but these loudContinue reading “The Best Version of Ourselves”

The Culture of “Fitbit”

The Fitbit.  Call it a fad.  A conversation starter. Big brother.  A motivator.  Health and Wellness is a well chosen initiative for many school districts in British Columbia.  The focus on pro-active measures to support staff is  a simple way to decrease absences by increasing the focus on physical health and stress management. It isContinue reading “The Culture of “Fitbit””

Welcome to Canada – The Immigrant Experience

My second year of university, I told my mother I was going back East and landed at York University because the student residence at The University of Toronto was full.  Such a great year of discovery!  In that wonderful year of adventure, amidst the discovery of a myriad of things artistic, historical and political, IContinue reading “Welcome to Canada – The Immigrant Experience”

Technology Tools to Inspire Thinking

Dr.Ruben Puentedura presented his SAMR model in Vancouver this past August. His work at Harvard has focused on developing this model to consider the application of technology in educational contexts has been of considerable interest on the conference circuit. He has observed and classified how technology is applied in educational contexts and describes them withContinue reading “Technology Tools to Inspire Thinking”

Teachers Matter – IRA Leadership Conference 2014

Our conference hotel in Tampa was too far to get in some beach time before my flight home, so I found my way to the inviting Sheraton pool. It was one of those times where initial disappointment ends up in a fortuitous moment. I had the opportunity to talk more with the Council President ofContinue reading “Teachers Matter – IRA Leadership Conference 2014”

Readers Who Write

Spanish Banks was my favourite beach to take my kids to because I could actually have some reading time when the tide was way, way out there and I could look down at a book.  My daughter, Larkyn, completed the classic “starting school” assignment as a young scholar: Draw a picture that tells about yourContinue reading “Readers Who Write”

59th Annual IRA Conference in New Orleans

Reading…The Teachable Moment I can’t recommend attending this conference enough.  It is always such a rewarding experience.  Participants are friendly and eager to discuss sessions and what’s happening in their classrooms.  New Orleans is an amazing host. They certainly know how to throw a party and celebrate.    Conference –  May 10-12, 2014 Institute DayContinue reading “59th Annual IRA Conference in New Orleans”

Rotary Works With IRA

IRA and Rotary have joined together since 2002 to promote literacy and we are mutually encouraging each other to work on literacy issues close to home and internationally—whatever works for the local members.  This year, the Pearson Foundation has funded two $2500 literacy awards towards literacy work that an IRA council or affiliate undertakes jointlyContinue reading “Rotary Works With IRA”

More from the SCLC – South Central Literacy Council

Mike Bowden will be going to the IRA AGM in New Orleans.  He will be presenting with two other colleagues on behalf of the Indigenous Peoples Special Interest Group.  They will be presenting a vocabulary research project they are doing within the Kamloops District in conjunction with Thompson Rivers University and Dr. Ramirez.  Look forContinue reading “More from the SCLC – South Central Literacy Council”