Favourite Language Arts Links

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Bookworm's Bonanza @HCS Learning Commons

 Image representing Bookworms as depicted in Cr...Image via CrunchBase Do you love sharing about books and literacy?  Does the plot, character evaluation, worldview, or themes of a story get you excited, inspired, creative?  Mostly are you a 21 century student who likes to collaborate, using  technology?  If so then Book clubs at HCS may be your creative answer to reading, learning and sharing in cyberspace.

This year God has really grown our book clubs, from teacher groups to student groups, and we are really thankful for His inspiration and provisions.  Our Book club moderators have shown amazing innovation in reaching out with different formats to engage with their students. We look forward to inviting grade 5/6 students to a group in the coming year.  Stay tuned:)

 Here is April Mcleod's blurb about what is happening in her world literally!

"Wow, what an exciting time we are having in the Sr. High Book Club!!!!!! Our latest book has been "Romeo and Juliet" and our meeting was held in a really special place. We have had a virtual classroom created for us in Cybernetworlds and it is in a Medieval Castle decorated with Romeo and Juliet posters, a  fireplace, and couches for our really cool avatars. Then we hold our discussions using Scribblar and share on the whiteboard. We have a great group of students and we are all having a wonderful time discussing some great books. Our next reading is Les Miserables, so feel free to join us.  Until next time..."


Pippa's Grade 7/8 Book club!
My students continue to inspire and bless me in our book club.  Not only are they avid readers, but they are becoming techie dynamo's.  On a monthly basis we have read, shared our writing, created some amazing book reviews, and made some techie video trailers.  Our students do most of the leading and collaboration on Collaborize Classroom,  where they start their own forums, create polls, and make friendships around literacy. Then once every 6 weeks we meet in Elluminate and share with each other about books and life in general.  Some of the books we have read include, Pilgrim's Progress, Shadowspinner,  Where the Red Fern Grows, and our current reads include Alexandria of Africa and Eragon.  We are very excited about our author read at the end of the year, which will include all book clubs in one awesome meeting!  If you are interested in joining in for our next meet there is still space:) PS if you are wanting to join in literacy discussions on the ning there is a BookWorm's Unite group happening too!


Kathy Strebchuk shares on her club!

  I have truly enjoyed helping develop the Grade 9/10 book club! I say “helped” because really, this group of students have taken over and are running the club better than I would!  We meet online about every 5 weeks to discuss our current book and vote on the next selection. But in between these virtual meetings, we have had a blast getting to know each other at the Book Club blog! Everyone has their own “blog space” where they get to post about the books and about themselves. The best part is the commenting back and forth on each other’s blogs. We are all becoming very good friends and don’t even want to take a break for the summer! Here are some of the books we have read so far: Touching Spirit Bear, The Scarlett Pimpernel, Eragon, Leviathan and currently – Murder on the Orient Express! What awesome books these students have picked. Here are some comments from the students themselves about their favourite parts of book club:
“I joined book club to experience new books, as well as being able to chat with other students.”
“My fave part of book club is the fellowship and time to talk to other teens.”
“The meetings are definitely my favourite part. We get to chat about the book we just read, and see how we liked it….or not!”
“My favourite part is probably being introduced to a variety of different kinds of books and book series that I can continue after the book club is over. But I also enjoy browsing and commenting on the blog and communicating with everyone on the online meetings, too!”
So make sure you join a book club next year, ‘cause if you don’t, you definitely are missing out!

Blessings to you
Pippa, Kathy and April!


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Monday, March 5, 2012

March and April delights, St Patricks Day, and Easter!

English: Jesus and Mary MagdaleneImage via Wikipedia
It is time to ponder and celebrate our Lord Jesus, his suffering, and sacrifice on the cross.  How best to teach the life and times of Jesus, as not only the Lamb but also the only Salvation for our sin?  Our learning commons team has shared their resources, links, books and DVD's which may help you further your student's understanding of the cross.

On Overdrive grab your E reader,  and head on over to our Easter collection! Or check out our religion section.

In our campus library check out some books on Easter.

For weblinks on Easter check these out!
Lent and  Easter links.





If you are wondering more about Saint Patrick, and want to go green for the occasion, check out these ideas for some fun celebrations.


Some beautiful flowers in the sun.Image via Wikipedia It is also that time of year where spring arrives with bunnies, flowers and abundant life!  Peruse the seasons link for spring lesson plans.

To hear more Easter news, techie happenings, blogger alerts and latest book reviews check out our Scoopit Newsletter,  with more blog articles and news around all things amazing in the learning commons!

We look forward to serving you in our learning commons.  If you want to contact us for reference queries please do so on our website,  using the Contact Us sign on the main interface.

As you enjoy your spring break we wanted to take the time to thank all teachers, students and families for your wonderful support of our learning commons team and resources.  We continue to grow because of your faithfulness!

Blessings from the Learning commons team!




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Sunday, March 4, 2012

Learning Camps March to June 2012




*HCOS Memory Challenge (Charlotte cstace@onlineschool.ca ) Further details and memorization tips are also outlined in the monthly HCOS Newsletter.  www.newsletter.onlineschool.ca Recitation deadline is May 30th – you can do it!

* Grade 7/8 Book club.  We are also reading Eragon,  and Alexandria of Africa. Our next meeting is on April 18th.  Newcomers are welcome to come and join us before or after the event.  Click here to register.  Book club blog  

*Gr. 9 & 10 Book Club with Kathy Strebchuk, presently voting on the next book to read and discuss.  We have finished Eragon and Leviathan.  Newcomers welcome to join.  Click here to register.

*Sr. High Book Club (Gr. 11 & 12) with April McLeod.  Next reading chosen by the group is Les Misérables, to discuss at the meeting on April 18th, and last but not least, The Life of Pi  for May.  Feel free to come in and join us for our last two books.  Love to have you!!  Click here to register.  Book Club Blog.

*Scripture Memory Challenge Wrap-up in May – remember to recite your verses by May 31st to a non-family member and inform your support teacher to be eligible for your reward!

*Historical Trip:  Barkerville - Family Learning Camp:  4 nights, 3 days, all ages welcome!  June 10th- 13th.  (Sorry, we are full.  Due to the high interest received, this may be offered again next year around the same time.)

*Immersive Technology summer camp with Gord Holden.  More details and locations TBA in March.



Island:

Nanaimo/ Parksville:
*French camp.   Apr 20, May 18.   1-2 p.m. Contact Angela apaine@onlineschool.ca

*Speech camp in Qualicum at St. Stephen’s Church:  6 sessions  Wednesdays from 2 – 3:30 p.m.  April 11, 18, (skip one week), May 2, 9, 16, 23  Contact Angela  apaine@onlineschool.ca

* Rocketry May 26-29 in Parksville and Nanaimo.  More details TBA- for more information, contact Lonnie lpenner@onlineschool.ca

*Island Track Meet on June 15th in Nanaimo; more details and online registration coming soon.

Campbell River/ Black Creek:
*Video-Making Workshop on March 13th at the Salvation Army Building in Courtenay from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  Courtenay Video-Making Workshop Registration Bring a digital camera, iPad, iPod, iPhone or laptop (PC or Mac).  Note: the Black Creek location has been cancelled, pre-registered students are encouraged to sign up for the Courtenay location instead.  Thanks for your understanding.

* Rocketry May 23 – 25 in Black Creek and Campbell River.  A)Black Creek, please click here to register b) Campbell River, please click here to register.

Victoria:
*Stay tuned for upcoming events.

Sunshine Coast:
*Outdoor Adventure Sessions in spring with Chris Moore, 2-hour sessions.  Dates:  March 29th at Soames Park (times TBA), April date TBA.  For more info contact Carrie cdespres@onlineschool.ca

Powell River:
*Field Trip to Powell River Historical Museum, Willingdon Beach Nature Trail Walk and beach picnic in May.  More details TBA – Marie mboettger@onlineschool.ca


Lower Mainland:

* Vancouver Art Gallery Tour and Workshop, March 26, 12:15 pm – one hour tour of the “Collecting with Intent” exhibition.  For Grades 4 – 12 to a maximum of 30 students.  (registration is now closed, waitlist only contact alengkeed@onlineschool.ca)

*Rocketry Camp in Abbotsford March 12th – 14th  from 10:00 – 12:00 tentatively (2 classroom days and a launch day); Click here to register.

*Woodworking II in Pitt Meadows area from March 28th to May 9th 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. (skipping April 25th due to CHEC convention). One spot still open, if interested contact Bill Marsh:  bmarsh@onlineschool.ca 

*Songwriting with Steve Codling March 29th 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.:  Learn how to write a song from ground up. Topics covered will include Chord Progressions, Song Structures, Lyrics, Melody, Instrumentation/Arranging and Recording Technology.  It's not as much of a mysterious black box as you might think!  Suitable for grades 6-12; (registration is now closed, waitlist only scodling@onlineschool.ca)

*MarketDay™ Adventures – Thursdays April 19 – May 24 + MarketPlace™ Day.  Abbotsford Free Church.  Allana  alemke@onlineschool.ca

*MarketDay Adventures in Coquitlam – Fridays, April 20 – June 8 + MarketPlace Day.  Location TBA.  Leona lmarks@onlineschool.ca

*Arts Fair in May for Grades K-9+.  More details TBA.

*Sports Day for Lower Mainland June 4th; Click here to register

Interior:
Penticton:
*D.A.R.E. program 3 sessions, March 30th, April 13th, April 20th Penticton.  Suitable for grades 5-7.  Min. 10 students, Max. 30 students.  HCOS student cost: $15.  Click here to register.

Vernon:  
·      Grades 7 to 10
·      Thursday: April 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17
·      1:00 to 3:00

·      Grades 7 to 10
·      Thursday: April 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17
·      3:30 to 5:00

*R U READY 2 RUMBLE? GYM GAMES with Lise Halvorson
·      Grades 7 to 12
·      Fridays: May 4, 11, 18, 25, 1, 8
·      12:30 to 2:30

*Family Fun Day and Track Meet on June 15th at Polson Park in Vernon.  More details TBA.

Kelowna:
*Intermediate level French; concluding with performing a play in French at the end of May.  January 12th – May 17th; Grade 7 level French a prerequisite.  New students welcome.  Contact Sarah at sbennett@onlineschool.ca


*Spring Drama Learning Camp with instructor, Sheila Dyer  
   Session A - March 26, April 2, 16, 23, 30, May 7;
   Session B - May 14, June 4, 11, 18, 25
·    Grades 4 – 6:   9:30 – 10:30 a.m.   (continued)
ü  Session A – “Working Together to Get the Job = Fun!” 
ü  Session B – “Who Are You and Who Are They?” 
·    Grades 7 – 9:  11:00 – 12:00 noon
ü  Session A – “Creating Something Extraordinary through Drama!” 
ü  Session B – “Who Do You Relate to, in Your World?” 
·    Grades 10 – 12:   1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
ü  Session A – “Taking Chances, Building Confidence, Having Fun” 
ü  Session B – “Now, Let’s Really Get into It!” 

*“Art Lessons in a Variety of Mediums” featuring cartooning, with artist Heather    Parlane. 
·      Four Mondays starting April 2, 2012   Time: 2 pm - 3 pm Mondays  Grades  4 – 8 (ages 9 -13)      Sign up Mon.
·      Four Tuesdays starting April 3, 2012    Time: 10 – 11am Tuesdays    Grades  4 – 8 (ages 9 -13)    Sign up Tues. Gr. 4-8
·      Four Tuesdays starting April 3, 2012    Time: 11:30 – 12:30 Tuesdays   Grades 1 – 4 (ages 6 – 8)   Sign up Tues. Gr. 1-3
·      Four Wednesdays starting April 4, 2012  Time: 10 – 11:00am Wednesdays Grades 4 – 8 (ages 9 -13)   Sign up Wed.
Please register using one of the links above. If they do not work, please contact Roberta at rmacdonald@onlineschool.ca

*Spanish – third term April to June 2012; For information contact Lori ltaetz@onlineschool.ca (Sorry, registrations are now closed)

*“Art Lessons in a Variety of Mediums” taught by Heather Parlane – Art of the Ancients – will be offered on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in May (possibly also in June.)  Contact Roberta rmacdonald@onlineschool.ca

Kamloops:
*Highland Dance.  6 weeks Tuesdays March 27 – May 1st.  Ages 3 – 5 from 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.; ages 6 – 10 from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.  Click here to register

Greater BC:
McBride: 
* Local Wildlife EcoTour in early May – focusing on ecosystems and habitats of local wildlife.  Contact Wendy wlowe@onlineschool.ca
Vanderhoof:
*Skating possibility mid March.  Contact Olga okelly@onlineschool.ca
*Electricity Camp possibility for

Read an EBook Week Mar 4-10th

English: A Picture of a eBook Español: Foto de...Image via Wikipedia
"Wonderful News! March is now Read an E-book Month in Canada.
During the 41st sitting of Parliament a motion was passed which proclaimed the month of March as Read an E-book Month. Wouldn't it be nice if we could have the U.S. join in and have a North American E-book Month?
Join us March 4-10, 2012 for our Read an E-Book Week extravaganza."

Check out this Ebook promotional week in Canada here!

Then discover our Ebook collection here and borrow an E reader from our learning commons!

If you don't know your username and password and you are a student/parent from HCOS contact Beth Johnson at bjohnson@onlineschool.ca or pdavies@onlineschool.ca
If you are a student from HCS contact Eirena Rothwell library@heritagechristian.ca

Blessings to you as you discover Ebook literacy!
Pippa
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Ted Talk: Sugata Mitra on Personalised Education



Please watch this amazing Ted Talk given by Sugata Mitra, on the effects of digital learning, when teachers or adults are not around.  We are so used to ensuring that our organizational pedagogy is related to instruction, but based on this experiment, students may often learn best when they are left alone in groups, to discover educational technology for themselves.  How do we take the positive aspects of group collaboration, and make it work within our homeschooling setting?  How do your students' learn best?  I think we need to be examining how we can create true Christian community so that our students can teach others, and along the way the Gospel message!

I would love to hear your thoughts?
Blessings to you
Pippa
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