Turning over a new leaf

It has been over a year since I last wrote on this blog, mostly because I wasn’t sure what I wanted it to become.

Last spring I applied for teacher-librarian positions at Confederation Park and University Highlands, and got both.  I was thrilled to be starting a new chapter of my career, especially so soon after finishing my diploma last December.  But my excitement was dampened by the fact that we were going on strike and the end of the school year was uncertain.  I said goodbye to my class, not sure when I was going to see them next or when I was going to pack up my classroom.

No one expected to be out as long as we were (two weeks in June and three in September) but the time on the picket line allowed me to meet members of my new staff at University Highlands and get to know my staff at Confederation Park even better.  When we came back to work we all jumped right into the school year!

The learning curve for my new position was quite steep and I had to adjust to being at two schools.  Fortunately, at Confed I know most of the students, but I had over 200 names to learn at Highlands!  It also took some time to get used to the pace in the library.  It is nice that there is some quiet time when I don’t have classes, but there is always something to be done!  When I do have multiple classes in a row, it can be a bit of a whirlwind, especially having to switch my mindset and way of interacting from Kindergarten to Grade 6/7.

Now that I have been through a full school year in the library, I think I’ve decided what I want mscollinslovesbooks to become.  I have library blogs at each school to share events happening in the libraries, so this blog will become a space for my own thoughts and musings, funny anecdotes, as well as a place to keep my digital creations.  One of my goals for next year is to integrate technology more in the library, so stay tuned to see what I come up with.

Over the summer I plan to change the look of this site and archive the old posts from my classroom, so that come September it is ready for a new year.  I really do love my new job, and while I am looking forward to the relaxation of summer, I am also very excited for next year.

Math Games Symbaloo

I thought I’d give a tour of some of the math games on my Symbaloo, since they are a fun way to practice math at home.  Open up the Symbaloo so you can explore some of the games that look interesting.  Blue dots are for either grade, while orange dots are aimed at Grade 2s and green dots are aimed at Grade 3s.  Obviously students can explore any of the games, Grade 3s wanting some extra practice might spend some time playing on orange dot game and Grade 2s wanting a challenge can tackle a green dot one.  If you’d like to know what games your child would benefit most from, just ask me or Ms. Harrison.

Media Literacy Week

This week is media literacy week in Canada.  In Division 7 we will be talking about all the amazing things you can do online, as well as potential problems.  We will be learning how to protect our privacy online.  Stay tuned for updates about what we are doing!

This week is a good chance to have a conversation with your child about online safety.  MediaSmarts has some fantastic resources for parents.  I found these great documents about internet safety tips for 5-7 year olds and 8-10 year olds.  What stood out for me was how important it is for parents to be involved in and aware of children’s online activities.  That will be an important message we focus on this week: “If you see something that makes you uncomfortable or aren’t sure if you should do something online, ask a grownup you trust.”

Africa-bound!

As most of you know, last summer I got married.  This summer Justin and I are going to South Africa for our honeymoon.  The bags are packed and we are ready to go!  I promised to bring photos to school in the fall, but if you are interested in following our adventure you can visit our blog.  I’m not quite sure what the internet connections will be like, but I will try to post when I can.

Thanks to your generous gift card my fingers and toes look extra pretty!  I hope you all have a fantastic August, and I look forward to catching up on everyone’s summer adventures in September.

Thank you and happy summer!

Well, summer certainly has arrived!  We may have had the hottest Canada Day long weekend that I can remember.  I had a wonderfully relaxing weekend.  I got to sleep in and read, eat lunch at a food truck, walk the seawall, have ice cream, and watch the fireworks at Canada Place!

I wanted to say thank you to everyone for the lovely class gift.  I am saving the gift card for the spa to pamper myself at the beginning of August.  Just in time for my birthday, and before Justin and I go to South Africa for our belated honeymoon!  In the meantime, I am back at UBC taking classes for my teacher-librarianship diploma.  The courses are packed into three weeks, but I am happy to be a student instead of a teacher for a little while.  I am going to try to find the time to share interesting links as I come across them.

So… if you haven’t signed up for the Burnaby Public Library’s summer reading club, do that first!  It’s free, you get stickers and a record booklet, and the kids have a chance to earn a medal by reading 50 nights.  The theme this year is “Up, Up and Away!” so get flying!