In the Loop – March 14, 2024

March 14, 2024

KEY RESOURCES IN LANGLEY

HONOURING TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

The Path to Reconciliation: Embedding Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility into Our Schools with Len Pierre | On-Demand Learning Feature
In this second session in our Ensouling Our Schools series, Len Pierre focuses on decolonization, reconciliation, and cultural safety in schools. Setting out with the intention to focus on good, culturally safe practices for educators, Len outlines a number of cultural strategies for school districts to embed in their practice at the classroom, school and district and district level. As well, Len also shares some exciting, promising practices and resources that he has encountered in this work that offer continued hope for ensuring cultural safety lives in our classrooms and schools.

DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
To see our full calendar of offerings, visit
www.thinklangley.com

NEW! Nurturing Young Writiers – Matt Glover session 2  | On-Demand Learning Feature
One of the ways that anyone can learn to do anything is by studying a more skilled mentor. In writing, writers at any age can become better writers by studying the published authors use. Writing conferences are at the heart of teaching students to write well. They’re also challenging since they require teachers to make responsive, in the moment decisions. In this session we will use writing samples and video clips to examine stategies for more effective conferring with students.

Microsoft Office Certification Program for Langley Staff | Jasperactive for SD35 Staff.pdf
Are you wanting to become more skilled using the Microsoft Office applications that are available to you and to increase your productivity?  The Langley School District offers a Microsoft Office Certification Program that is free to all SD35 Staff.  The program is called Jasperactive and allows staff to learn how to better utilize the Microsoft applications such as Word or Excel in an online, live-in-application program which allows staff to do their own self-directed learning within the application that they choose to explore.  To create an account profile and get started on your learning journey, please see the instructions at the link above.

EXTERNAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

CAST is offering three outstanding webinars for FREE |  More info
CAST is a multifaceted organization with a singular ambition: Bust the barriers to learning that millions of people experience every day. We do this by helping educators and organizations apply insights from the learning sciences and leading-edge practices to educational design and implementation.

  • Introducing Proposed Updates to the UDL Guidelines 3.0 | March 18, 2024 | Register
    Join CAST CEO Lindsay Jones and the UDL Guidelines 3.0 co-chairs Jenna Gravel and Nicole Tucker-Smith to learn about the proposed updates for the 3.0 version of the UDL Guidelines, which focuses on making stronger connections to identity as part of variability and understanding when bias creates barriers – and how to remove them.
  • Network & Connect: Creating Access in Higher Education through UDL | March 20, 2024 | Register
    Did you know that colleges and universities across the country are utilizing UDL to eliminate barriers at the postsecondary level? Are you interested in learning more about how to improve accessibility across the college experience? Panelists Jen Pusateri and Karl Wennerlind will share their experiences and provide examples for creating more accessible spaces in college courses and inclusive postsecondary programs through the utilization of the UDL Guidelines. This presentation is welcome to all interested in learning more about UDL in higher education, including postsecondary faculty and staff, inclusive postsecondary education program staff, secondary educators supporting the transition to college, and families in the college planning process.
  • Co-Teaching through the Lens of UDL |  March 25, 2024 | Register
    Embark on a transformative journey of co-teaching through the lens of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in our upcoming webinar. Join us for a session aimed at empowering educators to leverage the principles of UDL to create inclusive and engaging learning experiences for all students, including those with diverse learning needs. In this dynamic webinar, participants will explore practical strategies, insights, and resources to infuse UDL into their co-teaching practices effectively.

All Youth Matter Inclusion Training Workshop | April 6, 2024 | More info | Register
Youth across British Columbia face real and significant barriers to participating in sport, recreation and physical activity. Based on deep consultation with nearly 250 youth and 100 inclusion experts, All Youth Matter: Inclusion Training was developed to equip you to make a difference in the lives of diverse youth in your community. This training will provide you with tools, techniques and best practices to create inclusive sport, recreation and physical activity experiences for youth from marginalized populations. Learn about the factors that contribute to an inclusive environment, how to identify and address barriers and biases, and steps to take to intervene and stop discrimination. Lunch provided.

Physical Literacy in the Early Years | May 7, 2024 | More infoRegister
This workshop focuses on providing early years staff (front-line Early Childhood Education staff, supervisors, managers) and parents with an increased understanding of physical literacy development in young children (0 to 5 years). Participants will learn what physical literacy is and why it is important to develop in young children, understand the relationship between brain development and physical literacy and learn how relationships, environment, activities, and equipment can support physical literacy development. Gather information that can be applied to increase the capacity of managers and staff to develop policies, practices and environments. Dinner provided.

Network of Inquiry and Indigenous Educators Annual Symposium | May 10 & 11, 2024 | More info
The theme this year is Connections + Community: People, Practices & Promises. It is taking place on Friday, May 10 8:30-4:30pm & Saturday, May 11 8:30-12:30pm at The Westin Wall Centre, Richmond, BC. Make connections and strengthen community with colleagues committed to ensuring every learners crosses the stage with dignity, purpose and options.

High Five – PHCD |  May 12, 2024 | Register
Take PHCD 4-hour and learn the HIGH FIVE® Principles and Design Guidelines which can be implemented in programs right away. This certification program helps front line leaders gain more confidence, knowledge, and tools when leading children’s programs. Learn best practices for healthy childhood development, how to create environments where children thrive, and get certified.
The benefits of PHCD 4-Hour are; One time certification that is recognized across Canada, gain knowledge and tools that leaders can apply to ensure each child’s social, emotional, and cognitive needs are met and leave the course having confidence in your ability to create positive experiences for each child.

UFV MEd Program | Applications now open for July 2025 cohort | More info | Register
The University of the Fraser Valley’s MEd program is designed for BC K-12 teachers with a strong interest in becoming leaders and mentors who contribute to more innovative, equitable, and inclusive school communities. The program is for educators who wish to assume formal leadership roles in
school administration or in a curricular area that aligns with their professional interests and passions. UFV’s MEd program is unique in Canada for its focus on both leadership and mentorship practices that contribute to successful educational transformation.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF/STUDENTS/CLASSES

School Days at Playland | More info | Register
The PNE is offering programs to support teachers by providing real-life examples of science and marketing concepts to their students in a fun and interactive environment. Programs include Amusement Park Science, Science of Fun and Marketing Days.

Educational Tours and Programs |Stable Harvest Farm | More info | Register
Stable Harvest Farm is a local farm located across from the Langley Airport near Langley Secondary School.  They offer immersive, hands-on educational programs for classes grade 1-12 where students can explore topics such as soil health, pollination, water conservation, greenhouse farming and invasive species.

Free Educational Opportunities Celebrating Sports in Canada | More info
Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, alongside Special Olympics Canada and the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024 Legacy Fund, has proudly unveiled an extraordinary FREE national education program focused on the power of inclusion.

  • Introducing “Respecting the Game: The Story of Jackie Barrett” – a captivating journey transcending time and societal barriers. This groundbreaking program aims to ignite lasting social change by connecting youth to the legacy, impact, and invaluable lessons of Jackie Barrett, the first Special Olympics athlete to be inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. The comprehensive four-module program celebrates the richness of diversity, fosters equity, and champions inclusion through the remarkable journey of an exceptional role model – inspiring youth to dream big by seeing themselves in a true sport icon.
  • In addition to this exciting asynchronous opportunity, we are thrilled to unveil the dates for our highly anticipated LIVE Hall of Famers on Tour program, connecting sport heroes with students in real-time to share their stories of how they’ve reached the pinnacle of their careers and are going “beyond their wins” to champion good in the community.

Beyond the Win Education Programs from Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame | International Women’s Day
Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame is proud to share the stories of many inspirational women who have gone “Beyond their Wins” to help build Canada through the transformative power of sport. Don’t miss your chance to commemorate International Women’s Day by connecting your students to the rich stories, invaluable lessons, and unforgettable experiences of outstanding female Hall of Famers through Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame’s FREE education programs.

  • Hall of Famers on Tour | Engage with Three Iconic Female Sport Legends | Book
    Connect your students to legendary sport heroes, including marathon swimmer and the first person to swim across all five Great Lakes Vicki Keith, Olympian, author, and advocate Dr. Sandra Kirby, and the first ever Canadian Olympian to win five medals in one Olympic Games, Cindy Klassen.
  • Follow Your Dreams | Inspire Youth to Reach Their Full Potential | Book
    Inspire your students to follow their dreams through perseverance, goal-setting, and positive visualization by booking a live program featuring the remarkable stories of Hall of Famers and Order of Sport recipients Lori-Ann Muenzer and Cindy Klassen. 
  • Indigenous Sport Heroes Education Experience | Explore Inspiring Stories of Indigenous Sport Heroes | It’s Our Time Education Toolkit
    Explore the truths, experiences, and stories of inspiring Indigenous athletes and builders of sport. Utilize the recently launched Education Hub to effectively bring entry points to Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being into your classroom.

LEARNING RESOURCES

Book Creator – Be an Author Month | March 2024 | More info
Be an Author Month is dedicated to inspiring every student to embrace their creativity, articulate their thoughts, and harness the strength of their voice. Book Creator promotes Be an Author Month and their website has lots of resources and webinars for teachers to access and help engage students in writing and encourages all students that they have the ability to write.

  • In our Book Creator Era – New Caney ISD’s Top 10 Hits with the Digital Learning Department | March 20, 2024 3:00 PM | Register
  • TWIMA: A Global Read Aloud with Jon Smith & Randi Ahrndt | April 17, 2024 | Register

Learn and Win for World Water Day | March 22, 2024 | Power Smart for Schools | More info
This year’s theme is “Leveraging Water for Peace.” With the effects of climate change, there’s an urgent need for all of us to unite in protecting our most precious resource – water. Dive into the new curriculum-aligned, water-themed activities for K–7 classrooms and engage students in meaningful discussions about the importance of water conservation. If you take part, your class will be entered to win a prize package that includes water bottles for each student and fun resources for the classroom. Activities are available in English and French.

Prohibition and the Yukon | Historica Canada | Video
Amidst Canada’s Prohibition period in the 20th century, the Yukon found itself at the heart of national and international affairs. Many parts of Canadian life were impacted, such as (women’s) suffrage and the evolution of air sovereignty. Learn more about this fascinating moment in Canadian history with a new video from The Citizenship Challenge.

New Learning Tool on the Justice System in Canada | Download here
Have you seen the new learning tool on the Justice System in Canada? The tool presents an overview of the history and basic principles of the Justice System, includes critical thinking activities, and encourages students to become active citizens.

Veterans Affairs Canada | More info
Veterans Affairs Canada has many useful and timely resources for teachers to use in their classrooms with students. Some examples are:

PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL READINGS AND RESOURCES

Six Thinking Scaffolds that Can Move Students Toward Deeper Levels of Understanding – Emily Boudreau | Article
This article provides an overview of a research study on problem-based learning and thinking scaffolds and outlines six thinking scaffolds that teachers can use with students and how they help students include context, ask open-ended questions, transfer knowledge and experience, take ownership of their learning, manage risk and reflect on their learning.

17 Brain Breaks Tailored for High Schoolers – Paige Tutt | Article
This article provides high school teachers with a list of 17 “brain breaks” that serve to provide students with space for reflection, joy and connection while serving to stimulate brain activity and help students regain focus in the face of fatigue during what is an otherwise full day of learning and rigour.

Instructional Services | #Think35

4875 222 Street, Langley
BC, V3A 3Z7
Phone: 6045347891