Archive for February, 2008
March Break ideas
As the parent of teens, I am ecstatic not to take vacation time at the March Break to escort children around to museums, to stand in line for movies, to go to ice rinks that are melting (well, maybe not this year), and the ultimate was to go swimming, which always seemed to be ‘fouled’ the minute we made it to the pool deck. My hats are off to the all caregivers who will be doing so this year. Been there, done that!
For those of you not winging your way south to warm beaches, or those of you not going north to ski, Toronto offers plenty of activities to keep everyone occupied. Toronto.com and the City of Toronto provide ideas for activities and camps. And don’t forget your local library will be running programs too.
My advice is to get wherever you are going early (I never did), pack a knapsack with water and snacks, make sure you have money (it always costs more than you think) and finally, enjoy a glass of wine when you get home.
Rowan
Add comment February 28, 2008
Open: Toronto’s ESL culture & lifestyle magazine
Last week, the Professional Library participated in a publisher’s display for TDSB ESL teachers. The usual crowd of publishers was in attendance, but there was one new-to-me organization: OPEN: Toronto’s ESL Culture and & Lifestyle Magazine. OPEN used to be a print journal; currently it is available online. This is an interesting web page to use with secondary and adult ESL learners. It is very visual, high interest, very all about Toronto (part city and entertainment guide), and provides an opportunity for visitors to comment and get published. It is got trivia, a dictionary, photo gallery. Also, it is the type of web page that would appeal to boys as it includes information about local sports, neighbourhood events and exhibitions, TV, musicians etc.
Rowan
Add comment February 28, 2008
Homework is always a hot topic
Homework is a bibliography prepared by the Library about a year ago on this perennial hot topic. The debate is discussed in detail in a weekend Toronto Star article by Kristin Rushowy titled Homework a Homewrecker . The article discussed the findings of a Canadian study. The full report written by Drs. Linda Cameron and Lee Bartel is titled Homework Realities and available online.
As a parent I can relate to the hours that seem to be consumed by nagging the kids to do their homework, seeing them procrastinate and looking for any distraction. However, I think that it can help build student time management and responsibility skills, and it is one of the best ways for parents to stay current with their child’s skills and abilities before receiving a report card. But there is no doubt that some homework can be ill-conceived or inequitous. My kids had to build bridges able to support their own weight. Easy for us because my husband has a workshop complete with wood, glue, rope, hammers, nails and yards of DIY hardware. It was not so easy for kids who lived in apartments, or whose familiy had no interest in the business end of a hammer and saw. It would have been a more equitable in-class project where all the students had access to the same tools and supplies. And let’s not talk about projects being taken over by parents – I am as guilty as the next parent.
Rowan
Add comment February 13, 2008
2 new books on teaching mathematics
We have received a couple of new books on teaching mathematics. The titles are: Teaching Learners Who Struggle with Mathematics: Systematic Intervention and Remediation (2009, 372.7 She) and Elementary Mathematics Pedagogical Content Knowledge: Powerful Ideas for Teachers (2008, 372.7 Sch).
Teachers can call us at (416) 395-8289 to borrow these. Remember we send books to your school via the Board’s courier.
Add comment February 5, 2008
What is TDSBweb?
TDSBweb is the Board’s intranet web site (as opposed to Internet). It is an amazing source of information with links for teachers and principals to everything from policies and procedures to curriculum documents and program contacts, special education information, Professional Library and Medianet (videos and DVDs) as well as unique services like Artsjunktion.
It is available for TDSB employees only and you have easy access to it from any networked Board computer. From home you can access it at http://staff.tdsb.on.ca. You will need to know your employee id and password to get beyond the landing page. The password is not your TEL password, but the administrative one that must be changed regularly.
The public will find the TDSB Internet web site to be a useful place for information about schools, programs and services, and contacts.
Add comment February 5, 2008
2 new books on autism
Autism is a hot topic and we are continually looking for practical books for classroom teachers. 2 new titles are Self Help Skills for People with Autism(2007, Woodbine House, 371.94 Sel) and Visual Supports for People with Autism(2007, Woodbine House, 371.94 Coh).
autism.doc is a bibliography of books and articles on Autism available from the Professional Library
Call us if you want to read anything. Remember these are great resources to support AQ Special Ed courses.
Rowan
Add comment February 1, 2008
Archives of Ontario
The Archives of Ontairo has an online exhibit about the evolution on education on Ontario, titled Lessons Learned. It includes archival documents, photos, etc. It is interesting.
Rowan
2 comments February 1, 2008
