December 12, 2024

KEY RESOURCES IN LANGLEY

• Clickable PDF to Key Resources in Langley
• Instructional Services Website: For all your district-vetted resources K-12!  Check it out!
• Aboriginal Resources vetted by the District
• TCS Sites (TCS SS-grade 3, 4-8, Secondary): Key resources are still being placed in these Teams. If you need access to one of these Teams, please email dzurbuchenjonker@sd35.bc.ca
• District Learning Commons is a lending library of classroom and teaching resources available to all school staff in the Langley School District. All of our items are available to view and book online through the Insignia Library system. Find instructions, an area to check out new resources, request new resources and report lost or damages kits here: https://sway.office.com/qbfcZW739otNIwLe?ref=Link
  We deliver and pick up all the items you request through district mail twice per week (check with your admin assistant to see which days your deliveries are on).

MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Interested in Becoming a Mentor? | Mentor Information Sign Up
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.

New to the District or a New Role? | Mentee Information Sign Up
If you’re a newer teacher looking for mentorship, please fill out the Mentee Information Sheet above. 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!

SEL Workshop | January 21, 2024 3:30-5pm at SBO | Register
This workshop is a combined presentation from IS, LSS, and Mentorship. Start the new year with a self-care workshop and SEL strategies to include in your classroom.

Part 2 of Rewiring Reading Routines workshop | January 28, 2024 3:30-5pm at Wix-Brown
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.

Book Club | Beginning January 2024 | Register
Interested in joining us for book club? We are beginning in January and reading “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness”. Register with the link above.

HONOURING TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

Odyssey | Monday February 10, 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.  Registration will be opening soon.  All District Staff are invited to attend and participate in this wonderful day of learning!

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

Setting Up and Using a Class Notebook (6-12) | On-Demand Learning Feature
This virtual session will walk you through setting up your Class OneNote for your Class Team. We will walk through:

• Managing sections
• Add a teacher only section
• Distributing pages
• Reviewing student work
• How to determine where files will be located
• How to determine which tool will be used for which type of communication

Building Thinking Classrooms I 3 part Series I January 14, February 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!

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.

Setting up an explicit Literacy Program in the Primary Classroom: A Four Part Series | January 15 & 22, 2025; February 19 & 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.

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

Early Learning and Intervention: Zoom Clinics | February 14, 2025 | More info
These new and evidence-based CLINICS are designed for primary classroom teachers and have been designed in response to the Ministry of Education and Child Care’s call for action “to implement early literacy screening, remove barriers and provide supports for students so they can reach their full potential”. This February 14th Professional Development Day offering features screening and playful intervention strategies in five essential literacy skills as well as a school-wide intervention strategies. Participants will leave with a data base of over two hundred practical games, activities and other dynamic resources in these skill areas. Group rates are available. Please review the attachment for further information.

Self-Guided Workshops from Media Smarts | Canada’s Centre for Digital Media Literacy

• Digital Media Literacy 101 Educator Workshop | More info
  MediaSmarts’ new self-directed workshop Digital Media Literacy 101 provides educators with an overview of the key concepts, essential knowledge and core competencies of digital media literacy, as well as concrete steps for bringing lessons and activities into the classroom and tips for integrating it across the curriculum.
  This free, interactive workshop, sponsored by YouTube Canada, also includes “Try this” activities that allow teachers to explore and practice the skills and topics covered.
• That’s Not Me: Diversity and Media | More info
  That’s Not Me: Diversity and Media examines how entertainment and news media represent diversity and the impact these media portrayals can have on the value we place on individuals and groups in society.
  This newly updated, self-guided workshop explores how the media industry is changing to better reflect Canadian society and provides strategies for challenging negative representations and engaging young people in advocating for more realistic and positive media portrayals.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF/STUDENTS/CLASSES

Christmas in the Country Field Trip | Dec 5-29, 2024 | More info
Join Thunderbird Show Park this December for Christmas in the Country! This indoor event offers a fun opportunity to learn about agriculture in the Lower Mainland. Get up close with an 800-pound Speckled Park cow and discover the chick hatching process through hands-on exhibits and workshops. Students can enjoy the hobby horse kids’ course and admire dazzling light displays, all while celebrating the holiday spirit!

Langley Children’s Choir is Looking for Singers! | For Grades 3 – 7 Singers | Audition Request deadline Jan 5, 2025 | More info
Openings are now available for singers in grades 3 to 7 to join the Langley Children’s Choir. They are looking for School Choir members, if your school has one, a good attitude and enthusiasm. Advanced vocal skills and the ability to focus are helpful along with a firm commitment to the group.

The Empowering Youth Education Series | Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame | More info
Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame is proud to introduce the Empowering Youth Education Series, a program that inspires students by connecting them to the incredible stories of Hall of Fame icons.
Through insightful video clips, captivating artefacts, and engaging resources, these stories of resilience, leadership, and determination empower youth to overcome challenges, lead with purpose, and unlock their full potential.

WorkSafeBC Student Video Contest | Deadline April 1, 2025 | More info
Skills Canada British Columbia is offering a 2025 Student Safety Video Contest for grades 8-12. Tell them how young workers can show up and speak up at work to improve safety for everyone. Submit a video and you could win a cash prize.

LEARNING RESOURCES

Invictus Games Classroom Resources | More info | Videos
There are lessons available for K-12, divided into Elementary, Middle School, and High School. Teachers can also adapt lessons for lower or higher grades. They are FREE & downloadable and available in English and French on the website. Lessons are based on the themes of resilience, inclusivity, and self-discovery. It is intended that these lessons can be used widely across Canada and even globally.
The “Videos” link above houses videos of Team Canada alumni and upcoming competitors discussing what the Invictus Games means to them. There are some very powerful stories and demonstrate an undeniable courage and vulnerability. Might be a bit heavy for younger students, but staff and older students could find some inspiration.

December Activity Book | Book Creator | Activities
Are you currently using Book Creator with your students?  If so, be sure to check out their December Activity Book at the link above which is filled with a variety of exciting activities to keep your students actively engaged in their learning right up to the Winter Break!

December Videos and Resources | Curio.ca |  Log-in
Time to take a little breather and spend sometime enjoying the season with your students! With spirit week/holiday week around the corner, we’ve got a ton of fun content to help you wind down the year. Log in now to learn more. Curio is free for all Langley teachers to access.

• The Christmas Myth | Secondary | Video
  High school students discuss the “Christmas Myth” and zero in on commercialism and the true meaning of the holiday. Listen and then take the debate offline!
• All About Kwanzaa | Elementary (8-11), Secondary | Video
  It’s almost Kwanzaa! Learn more about this beautiful celebration of African-American/Canadian culture.
• Ask an Elder: Winter Solstice in the Cree Tradition | Elementary (8-11), Secondary | Video
  Anishinaabe reporter Lenard Monkman asked elder Wilfred Buck of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation in Manitoba to share the Cree story of the winter solstice.
• The Heist Before Christmas | Elementary (Ages 4-11) |  Video
  ‘Twas the heist before Christmas, when all through their home, some kids they were planning to find presents and roam!
• The Christian Story of the First Christmas | Elementary (Ages 4-11) | Video
  This story follows Mary and Joseph from their meeting with the angel Gabriel, to the birth of Jesus. Learn more. For BBC Subscribers.

TECH TIPS

Tech Tips from Screenagers | More info

• Podcast Episode 48 | How to Motivate Our Kids Without Nagging Them | Video
• You Tube Videos
  Don’t Let Screens Split Up the Family | Sherry Turkle | Video
  Why Are Teens Prone to Risk Taking? | Daniel J. Siegel | Video
• The Smart Guide to Simple Phones and Watches | More info
  As the gift-giving season approaches, many parents consider buying their kids their first phones or connected watches. Before diving into this decision, Delaney wants to share her perspective: delaying this purchase as long as possible is often the best approach. If you have decided to move forward, a simple (often called ‘dumb’) phone or watch that by design blocks or limits access to many features like social media, internet and apps may be the best option. Delaney Ruston and her team have researched and compiled a detailed list of simple phone and watch recommendations to help you choose the best option.