In the Loop – January 9, 2025

January 10, 2025

KEY RESOURCES IN LANGLEY

MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Interested in Becoming a Mentor?
We are in great need of experienced teachers with five or more years in the profession to support and guide newer educators as they transition into their roles.

We have many brand-new or early career teachers looking for a mentor. We need mentors at all grade levels but especially primary (K-5) and middle (6-8).

Time Commitment as a mentor: Mentors need to commit to ONE 45-minute learning-focused conversation every 3-5 weeks. There are optional workshops, networking and learning sessions available.

https://langleyteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mentor-Info-Sheet.pdf

New to the District or a New Role?
If you’re a newer teacher looking for mentorship, please fill out the Mentee Information Sheet here. Once completed, email it to teachermentorship@sd35.bc.ca to join our program!

Upcoming events: 

Ongoing: Classroom Library Kits – let us know if you would like one! Fill your classroom library by borrowing books from us – Kits for K-2, 3-5, and 6-8 available!

January 21, 2025 – 3:30-5pm @SBO – SEL Workshop – combined presentation from IS, LSS, and Mentorship. Start the new year with a self-care workshop and SEL strategies to include in your classroom. See sign up link under ProD Opportunities.

January 27, 2025 – 4:00 – 6:00pm @ SBO – Book Club: The Anxious Generation

January 28, 2025 – 3:30-5pm @Wix-Brown – Part 2 of Rewiring Reading Routines workshop – Come join us as we slice into the second workshop on science of reading and learn how to create new brain synapses in the minds of all your favourite readers in a fun, meaningful and engaging way!  Side effects may include: reading proficiency, less stress, easier planning, a love of reading and more.

HONOURING TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

Centering Indigenous Pedagogies in Mathematics Education: Assessment | Jan 22, Feb 26 and Apr 16, 2025 | More info
This 3-part series focuses on assessment practices in math education guided by Indigenous pedagogies and perspectives such as Indigenous Storywork, teachings from the land, and culturally responsive mathematics education. The webinar is geared towards teachers and TOCs and there is no cost to join.

Anchoring Inclusive Practices in Indigenous Pedagogies: Designing for Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity | Jan 23, Feb 4, March 3, Apr 1, May 6, June 3, and June 10, 2025 | More info
A live, virtual learning series with Jo Chrona & Dr. Shelley Moore. There are seven live sessions that run from 3:30-5:00pm PT. A recording will be available for 10 days after each session.

Indigenous Cultural Safety in Educational Spaces: A Journey for ‘All Our Relations’ | Jan 27, 2025 | More info
This 90-minute presentation will begin with a meaningful territory acknowledgement, along with steps to getting past this process in order to build meaningful relationships with Indigenous staff, faculty, students, and leaders in the university. The format is virtual and it is geared towards K-12 Educators, TOC’s and Teacher Candidates. There is no cost to participate. Registration closes by January 24, 2025.

Engaging with Indigenous Curriculum: Equipping BC Educators for Decolonizing Pedagogy | March 19-21, 2025
Edith Lando VLC is pleased to share a new workshop series Engaging with Indigenous Curriculum: Equipping BC Educators for Decolonizing Pedagogy, being offered by our colleagues in Professional Development and Community Engagement (PDCE).
This in-person institute will emphasize a growth of knowledge of Indigenous histories, decolonization, Indigenous Knowledges, and anti-oppression. Led by Dr. Dustin Louie, First Nations scholar from Nee Tahi Buhn and Nadleh Whut’en of the Dakelh Nation of central British Columbia, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia, and Director of NITEP. Sessions will take place at the UBC Vancouver Campus.

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

Odyssey – Monday Feb 10, 2025 I Register TODAY | Odyssey Booklet 2025
The Langley School District’s annual Odyssey Conference will be taking place on Monday February 10, 2025 at the Langley Events Centre, RE Mountain Secondary and Peter Ewart Middle School.  All District Staff are invited to attend and participate in this wonderful day of learning!

Building Thinking Classrooms I 3 part Series I Jan 14, Feb 4 & 18, 2025 I Register
Are you ready to transform your teaching and reignite your students’ curiosity? Join us for an engaging 3-part workshop series inspired by Peter Liljedahl’s groundbreaking Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics. This series is designed for educators who want to foster deeper thinking, boost student engagement, and create a dynamic classroom environment where every student feels empowered to succeed.
What You’ll Learn:
Session 1: Setting the Foundation
Discover practical strategies to create a thinking classroom from day one, including open-ended tasks, random grouping, and vertical non-permanent surfaces that spark collaboration and critical thinking.
Session 2: Sustaining the Energy
Dive into techniques for maintaining momentum, managing classroom flow, and crafting tasks that balance challenge with support. Learn how to guide students to think independently while working collaboratively.
Session 3: Assessing and Empowering Learners
Explore innovative formative assessment practices that focus on growth and understanding. Uncover methods to build a classroom culture where mistakes are celebrated as part of the learning journey.
Why Attend?
This workshop isn’t just about ideas—it’s about action. Walk away with ready-to-use strategies, a renewed sense of purpose, and the tools to build a classroom where thinking thrives. Whether you’re new to these practices or looking to refine your approach, this series will equip you to make a lasting impact on your students’ learning experience. Let’s turn your classroom into a place where thinking happens. Spaces are limited—register now to secure your spot!

Setting up an explicit Literacy Program in the Primary Classroom: A Four Part Series | January 15, 2025, January 22,2025, February 19,2025, February 26, 2025 I Register
Are you looking to set up an evidence-based literacy program but unsure where to start or how to support small groups? We will start with discussing the Scope and Sequence to guide your instruction, then look at assessment tools that will inform your practice and allow for creating groups based on targeted skills. Then, we will go over ways to support instruction in the different areas such as decoding and fluency. Finally, we will have a check in to see what has worked and what next steps could be.

Learning in the Primary Years: A Four Part Series | Final Part on January 20 2025 I Register
Curious educators are invited to learn and think together about the newly released “Learning in the Primary Years” Ministry document with connections to playful practice. Register for one session or all, just select the appropriate pass during registration. Dinner will be provided to those who attend in person.

Emotional Literacy for Educators I January 21, 2025 I Register
This 90-minute interactive workshop provides educators with practical, research-based tools to help students regulate their emotions, fostering a classroom environment conducive to teaching and learning. By blending Marc Brackett’s RULER approach with Leroy Slanzi’s breathing techniques, participants will gain effective strategies to reduce stress, enhance focus, and improve emotional resilience in their students.
Through hands-on activities, role-playing, and discussion, educators will walk away with actionable methods to create a calm, focused learning space and strengthen students’ social-emotional skills.

EXTERNAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Club de lecture pour enseignant·es: Shuni de Naomi Fontaine | Jan 14 & 28, Feb 11 & 25, 2025 | More info
This engaging book club is designed specifically for French teachers, offering a unique opportunity to explore the novel in a supportive and collaborative environment. Teachers at all levels of French proficiency are welcome to join! All sessions will be virtual and will run from 3:30-4:30PM.
*All spaces have been filled. You can add your name to the waiting list if you’re interested in hearing from us should a spot open up.

Menstrual Equity 101 | Jan 21, 2025 | More info
Menstrual Equity 101 is a free and virtual workshop hosted by Free Periods Canada for service providers who work with youth. This workshop will help K-12 educators develop a deepened understanding of period poverty and its impacts on students in education settings, methods to address stigma associated with menstrual health, and how to become a confident advocate for menstrual equity. The format is virtual and geared towards K-12 Educators, TOCs, and Teacher Candidates. There is no cost and registration closes Jan 17, 2025.

Learning Bursts: Indigenous Literacy & Numeracy | January 21, 2025 | More info
The NOIIE Learning Bursts are a great way to get a hit of new learning in a timely and fun-filled way. A big thank you to Angela Stott and Tashi Kirincic for hosting the Learning Bursts and for making sure each session is lively and engaging.  Alannah Valdez Tiu from T.E. Scott Elementary (SD36), along with Candice McKendry, Kim Gunner and Michelle Johnston from Rutland Secondary School (SD23) got us off to a great start in November.
The next Learning Burst is taking place January 21st, with a topic of Indigenous literacy and numeracy.  Invite your friends to join you, pull up your zoom link and get ready to be inspired by the work in NOIIE schools.

Let’s Play! Exploring Science with Young Children; Part Two of a Two-Part Series | Jan 22, 2025 | More info
Science exploration connects so naturally to the play-based approach to learning! Through play children investigate, test out their ideas and build knowledge about how the world works. This workshop will provide you with lots of tried-and-tested ways to explore science through both gently-guided and free-play provocations. The format is virtual and geared towards ECE instructors and Childcare providers. There is no cost.

Regulation and Interoception | Jan 25, 2025 | More info
This workshop is designed to give educators practical tools to support social and emotional learning strategies for young learners. It’s geared towards educators as they are the main source of self-regulation and co-regulation for young children in the classroom. The format is virtual and is geared towards Early Childhood Educators. There is no cost. Registration closes Jan 23, 2025.

Join Dr. Hayley Watson for a Complimentary Online Book Study | January 29, 2025 | More info | Register
Educators are invited to participate in a unique professional development opportunity with Dr. Hayley Watson. Dr. Hayley will lead an online book study of Finding the Words: Empowering Struggling Students through Guided Conversations, where she’ll explore key strategies for supporting students facing anxiety, peer pressure, trauma, and more. The study includes five interactive Zoom sessions starting January 29th and is perfect for school counselling teams, new educators, or anyone interested in enhancing their skills in student mental health support.

Bridging the Language of Literacy | February 14, 2025 | Register
In collaboration with Victoria Speech and Language, the Saanich School District is hosting a literacy focused professional development opportunity on February 14th at Parkland Secondary School in North Saanich. This workshop is supported by Speech and Hearing BC funds. The topic is “Bridging the Language of Literacy” with Sherry Raffalovitch, SLP and Jana Leggett, SLP.

Play Therapy in Action: Transforming Social, Emotional, and Academic Challenges in Children & Adolescents Workshop | April 24, 2025 | More info
Children often struggle to fully understand and communicate their experiences because their cognitive and emotional development is still in progress. They may lack the vocabulary to express their feelings or the cognitive tools to make sense of their world. This is where Play Therapy becomes an invaluable resource. Play Therapy provides children with a natural, engaging way to communicate, process their emotions, and explore their inner experiences.

Strengthening Self-Regulation and Executive Functioning in Children and Adolescents Workshop | April 25, 2025 | More info
Do you work with children and adolescents who struggle with attention, organization, transitions, and planning? Are you looking for effective strategies to help students who often act out, get overwhelmed, or struggle to understand the consequences of their actions? These challenges often stem from deficits in Executive Functioning (EF)—a critical set of cognitive skills needed for self-regulation and goal-directed behaviour. The good news is that Executive Functioning can be taught and strengthened!

NOIIE 2025 Symposium: Connections and Curiosity May 9-10 | More info
Registration for the 2025 NOIIE Symposium is NOW OPEN! It will be filled with opportunities for connections with others who share your passion for inquiry and equity. You will engage with inspiring speakers, participate in interactive workshops, network with educators from across the globe and enjoy a few surprises.
Kath Murdoch, a leading global expert on inquiry learning, is joining us along with Rebecca Winthrop from the Brookings Institution. Kath’s practical strategies for engaging young learners in deeper forms of inquiry are second to none. Rebecca has spent the past three years researching student engagement in adolescents. Her new book, The Disengaged Teen: Helping kids learn better, feel better and live better, will be an invaluable resource for educators and families. Pete Bombacci is the driving force behind Genwell, a Canadian social movement designed to address the issues of social isolation and loneliness through the power of social connection.

Applications Now Open: UBC Transformative Educational Leadership Program | More info
The 11th cohort of the Transformative Educational Leadership Program (TELP) starts in October 2025, and we’re excited to invite applications from leaders ready to make a difference in education systems worldwide. TELP is ideal for individuals in any K–12 educational system and other connected sectors, who are interested in system transformation. Lead transformative change in your community and beyond. Explore key themes, including system change, Indigenous worldviews, innovative learning environments, and more. For 2025/2026, they are holding two rounds of admissions. To be considered for the first round of admissions, applicants should apply by May 31, 2025. Those accepted through early admissions will be notified by the end of June 2025.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF/STUDENTS/CLASSES

Teen Fact-Checking Network program at MediaSmarts | Canada’s Centre for Digital Media Literacy | Deadline Jan 14, 2025 | More info
MediaSmarts is excited to bring back the Teen Fact-Checking Network program for a second year! This project provides teens with digital media literacy training and empowers them with critical thinking skills to tell what is true online. You can watch the videos produced by the first bilingual cohort of teen fact-checkers on the MediaSmarts website (“More info” link above).
They are looking for teens ages 13 to 18 who have an interest in social media, journalism and verifying information to join the program. Selected participants will produce at least two fact-check videos for MediaSmarts’ YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok channels. The deadline to apply has been extended to  January 14, 2025.

Library Online Event – City Cycling | Jan 23, 2025 | More info
The library will be hosting an “Intro to City Cycling” webinar with Hub Cycling on Thursday, January 23, 1 – 2 pm. This webinar is aimed at teens and adults. This webinar is the perfect introduction to cycling best practices for people looking to gain knowledge about how to bike safely around the city. The webinar covers the rights and responsibilities of cyclists and looks at various traffic scenarios encountered in city cycling. Participants will learn how to share the road and communicate with other road users, how to take their bike on transit, types of biking gear, and how to plan a safe route. Classrooms or interested high school students are welcome to join the conversation. The webinar will be delivered via Zoom and the registration link can be found at the link above.

Speaker Series: Building a Brighter Future | Museum of Surrey | February 19, 2025 | Register
Many Canadians take pride in the history of the Underground Railroad. They celebrate that Canada, specifically what is now Quebec, Ontario, and the Maritimes, was the destination for freedom‐seeking enslaved Africans fleeing slavery in America. But Canada also has its own untold, dark history of slavery.
The Transatlantic Slave Trade spanned 400 years with more than 12 million African people held in bondage. In Canada, the system of racial chattel slavery was introduced by the French in the 17th century. The term “chattel slavery” relates to the fact that enslaved people are treated as commodities or resources to be traded and/or sold. This chattel slavery was a dehumanizing and violent system of abuse and subjugation. Importantly, Europeans viewed slavery in racist terms. Indigenous and African peoples were seen as less than human. White supremacy justified the violence of slavery for hundreds of years.
Canada’s economy and infrastructure was built using chattel slavery; and the fruits of this unpaid, brutal labour are still enjoyed across the nation today. Reparations is a term which signifies righting a wrong and undoing harms of the past. While this is an expansive effort in the U.S., Canada falls far behind. In this conversation we are asking: Why isn’t making reparations a wide-spread effort in Canada? What reparations, if any, are being made in Canada to Black communities? How would reparations support Black communities? Could these reparations build equity and bolster the economy as a whole? Start the conversation with Dominique Jacobs regarding Reparations in Canada.

2025 Indigo Love of Reading Literacy Fund Grant Applications Now Open | Application Deadline Feb 28, 2025 | More info
This year, we continue our commitment to supporting schools and organizations dedicated to improving literacy for young learners across Canada. Through the Literacy Fund Grant, we aim to provide critical funding to support reading programs, access to books, and other literacy initiatives that make a lasting impact on children’s lives.

2025 BC Provincial Youth Chess Championship | March 22-23, 2025 | Flyer
The official BC Chess Federation youth chess tournament – 2025 BC Provincial Youth Chess Championship – will happen at the Bonsor Recreation Complex in Burnaby from March 22th – 23th, 2025. This is an excellent opportunity for juniors to meet over a chessboard, enhance their chess skills and make new friends in the spacious tournament hall.
This chess event is organized by the Chess2Inspire Association (non-profit registration #S-0062213) on behalf of the BC Chess Federation. We are a volunteer base, registered non-profit organization, promoting chess to kids in BC through public libraries, elementary schools and tournaments.

Climate Justice and Leadership Camp | More info
Know a teen who’s interested in learning more about sustainability and leadership? Registration is now open for UBC’s Spring Break Climate Justice and Leadership Camp. Participants will have the opportunity to spend a week at the UBC Vancouver Campus learning about the current climate crisis through multiple perspectives. This camp is designed to help youth understand and navigate the uncertainties of our changing world, and to foster resilience by developing their capacities to address the challenging emotions that are often associated with the climate crisis.
Edith Lando VLC is a proud sponsor of the Climate Justice and Leadership Camp. They are offering five participant scholarships that will fully cover the cost of registration. Details and application at the link above.

Coffee Chats | Register
Looking for a burst of intellectual fuel to start your day? Look no farther than the opportunity provided on the third Thursday of every month with hosts Angela Stott and Rosa Fazio. A quick conversation, a chance to check in with others from around the world, and an exchange of ideas and suggestions – what could be better?

Virtual Field Trip: The Science of Car Crashes | Video
The video recording from the virtual field trip is ready to watch! Don’t forget to bookmark this page for use next time you are teaching force & motion. Science is cool because you make it cool.
Bring the car crash excitement to your classroom. This virtual field trip covers the science of crashes. You can take the science back to the classroom and have your students collect their own data! Here are two hands on activities to do with your students.

  1. Best Experience: students will use PocketLab G-Force to collect data and design a crash cushion meant to reduce the forces that act on a vehicle during a collision with a wall. Check out the lesson here!
  2. Low-cost alternative: students will use budget-friendly materials to design and build a paper car designed to protect its raw egg occupant! Check out the lesson here.

WorksafeBC Student Video Contest for Youth | More info
When you are new to work, some things may feel beyond your control. But you have the power to make your workplace safer and healthier. Show up and speak up when something feels unsafe. Take part in health and safety activities in the workplace. Tell us how young workers can do more than just show up at work. What can you and other young workers do to improve safety at work for everyone by showing up and speaking up? Submit your original production for a chance to win cash! The theme for the 2025 Student Safety Video Contest is Show up, speak up for safety.

LEARNING RESOURCES

Edith Lando Virtual Learning Centre: Educational Database | More info
The Edith Lando Virtual Learning Centre is also home to a rich, diverse educational database full of free educational resources from all subject areas and grade levels, absolutely free for educators. You can access the Edith Lando Virtual Learning Centre Educational Database at the link above.

Power Smart for Schools | Bright Ideas for 2025 | More info
Power Smart provides lots of excellent, free resources for classroom teachers.  They have made some updates and improvements to their resources available which can be found by reading their latest Power UpBlog. They are also keep creating the new activities, seasonal content, and thoughtful blog posts that you’ve come to expect. Plus, we look forward to connecting with you and your classrooms in person more than ever, including during the next Electrical Safety Week in May.

Book Creator | 2025 Guide | One Page Resource
Book Creator is a fabulous, versatile digital tool that empowers students to create and read multimodal digital books. All teachers in the Langley School District have access to the web-based version of Book Creator to use with their students.  Be sure to check out Book Creator’s 2025 Guide for teachers to help get you started with using Book Creator or to give you some ideas for how you can use Book Creator with your classes over the next few months.
And if you are new to Book Creator, please refer to the Book Creator One-pager at the link below which is a great resource for helping you get started with using Book Creator for the first time or also a helpful refresher of everything the tool can do for you and your students.

CBC Kids News: In the Classroom | Grades 5 -7 | Curio.ca |  Log-in | Register
Calling all grades 5 -7 teachers. Winter registration for CBC Kids News in the Classroom is now open. If you’re looking for a fun, fresh way to get your students thinking critically and excited about how digital news is made, CBC Kids News in the Classroom is for you. Your class will virtually meet a CBC Kids News journalist over Zoom, learn the tools needed to build a news story, how to spot the difference between misinformation and disinformation, and so much more! Sign up your Gr. 5-7 class here. Curio is free for all Langley teachers to access.

TECH TIPS

Screenagers Resources

  1. Episode 49: Managing Meltdowns and Easing Sibling Screen Time Conflicts | Podcast
    This episode looks at solutions for when screens and devices like tablets are causing conflict in the home, especially when it is time for them to be turned off! Siblings will often find themselves in conflict over devices and screen time, whether arguments over whose turn it is, jealousy over differing time allowances and scenarios wherein the younger sibling is a thorn in the side of the older sibling.
  2. How Teens Benefit from Taking Risks | Ben Danielson, MD | Video
  3. Do Smartphones in Class Hurt Academic Achievement? | Jonathan Haidt | Video

MyBlueprint Resources

  1. New Year Training Opportunities: Register for engaging live webinar sessions!
    SpacesEDU’s 30-minute webinar sessions are the perfect quick refresher to get you on track for effectively using SpacesEDU!  Join the Getting Started with SpacesEDU: Your First Class Webinaron Wednesday, January 22 at6:30 pm ET (7:30 AT, 5:30 CT, 4:30 MT, 3:30 PT). Be sure to sign up to join live and receive the recording afterwards!
  2. Growth Over Grades Podcast: The Power of Mastery-Based Learning (MBL)
    In episode eight, SpacesEDU’s Jordan Lewis chats with Alissa Muller from the Washington Board of Education to explore all things MBL! Listen to learn about challenges, benefits, and success strategies.
  3. Level-Up your SpacesEDU Knowledge: Become a Certified SpacesEDU Educator through a tailored certificate program via OTIS for Educators. Check out two brand new courses: Level 3: Reporting with SpacesEDU and Level 4: SpacesEDU Portfolios!

Implementation Strategies for Teachers

Instructional Services | #Think35

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