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The promise of a new year is before us. A time for brand new resolutions for 2023 or to jump start resolutions that have been pledged in years gone by and forgotten by the end of January. For the British Columbia Literacy Council, our resolutions each year for many years have been consistent.
- Look for ways to support the literacy goals of the International Literacy Association within in British Columbia.
- To provide the leadership opportunities for educators to network and support each other in the task of supporting the literacy development of their students, school community and the larger literacy community.
I am honoured to have been invited to be a part of the Nominating Committee for the International Literacy Association as one of the international members. It is inspiring to see the commitment to improving opportunities and literacy practices worldwide continues undaunted by the impact of COVID.
Working in a COVID context has been an uphill challenge, to say the very least. It has come with wins and losses as educators in British Columbia and the rest of the world, have been taxed with their own personal challenges at home, as well as the fear, frustration, and stresses of their school community. Medals are warranted! We have certainly learned that online meetings do not come close to the support, collaboration and inspiration of face-to-face meetings and professional development.
I just recently completed a pilot project providing 3 weeks of daily literacy sessions for 3- and 4-year-old children. In talking to parents, I went back to the demonstration of Matthew Arnold’s notion of the “empty vessel”. As I poured sand into the jar and explained that learning does not happen this way, it was as if I was presenting newly discovered information. Online programs, tutoring for young children, workbooks and programs promising immediate results gained leverage in a COVID world. More than ever, educators are needed to support parents in understanding that listening, speaking, reading, and writing are communicative processes that develop over time rather than memorization exercises that can be quickly mastered and checked off a list. We have our work cut out for us.
Latest Reviews:
AGM 2019 – Minutes
Stepping Stones
Colleen Cruz
Steven Layne
Getting Graphic: Effective Literacy Learning with Comics and Graphic Literature
AGM 2021
British Columbia Literacy Council of the International Literacy Association
Thursday, November 25, 2021
6:00 – 7:00 PM
Pendrell Room
Sylvia Hotel – On English Bay
1154 Gilford Street, Vancouver, BC
(Free Parking underground; entrance in back of hotel)
AGM 2020 – Minutes
By Kathryn Self Ransdell
click for PDF
Entering the World of Graphic Novels – A Panel Presentation
Posted on January 19th 2020
Hosted by Carrie Froese – President ReadingBC / BC Literacy Council of the International Literacy Association / Principal – David Livingstone Elementary School. Check out https://carriefroese.wordpress.com/2019/11/11/entering-the-world-of-graphic-novels/
A panel discussion about the world of graphic novels including to date:
Trent Doiron – Youth and Family Worker / Graphic Novel Enthusiast
Anna Found – Grade 7 student & Graphic Novel Enthusiast
Kelly Patrick – Secondary Librarian, ReadingBC / BCLCILA Executive member
Kathryn Ransdell – parent / Orton Gillingham tutor in training
Date Thursday, February 27, 2020 6:45 – 8:00 pm
Place – David LIvingstone Elementary Library
Refreshments and draw prizes included.
Free registration through Eventbrite:
Odyssey ProD Conference 2020
Posted on January 19th 2020
BE THE HUMMINGBIRD: DO to UNDO
A Journey Started with Indigenous Reconciliation through Children’s Literature & Voice.
On Friday, February 14, I had the privilege of addressing an audience of 30 at the Odyssey 2020 conference with the Langley SD #35. My workshop explored three children’s stories and books, Flight of the Hummingbird by Michael Nicoll Yahgulanass, Taan’s Moons: A Haida Moon Story by Alison Gear, and The Six Cedar Trees by Margot Landahl and Celestine Aleck and how these stories can be introduced in the classroom to present Indigenous knowledge in ways that honour and celebrates Indigenous gifts. Representing the BCLCILA, the book The Flight of the Hummingbird was the door prize and was also the highlight of the workshop.
Like the hummingbird in the forest fire, it is our time to do what we can to undo the historical regret, that education has been used as a tool of oppression for Indigenous people. Conversation, from the perspective of the animals standing around the fire, centred around politics, environmental issues and most importantly explored ways that education can be a voice for Indigenous reconciliation. Attendees were invited to identify the fire in their own lives that they are making an effort to put out. I shared my own journey with the Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement and my exploration of ways to let the story of reconciliation reveal itself through the voices of children.
Linda Klassen is an educator of over 30 years. She is the Principal of Coghlan Fundamental Elementary School in SD #35 and the Vice President of the BC Literacy Council for International Reading Association.
Creativity Through Cookbooks
Posted on January 19th 2020
This event was hosted by BCLCILA members, Kelly Patrick, and Polly Dobie at Point Grey Secondary School. Over 25 educators came together to hear Kelly share her experiences as an author of cookbooks and discuss reading, writing, and talking about food. Thanks to Dianne Martinson for facilitating the break-out session on Travel and cookbooks; to Carrie Froese for facilitating the session about supporting elementary literacy learners; and Polly Dobie for facilitating the session for secondary teachers. And yes, the snacks were wonderful:)
https://carriefroese.wordpress.com/2020/01/16/creativity-through-cookbooks/
AGM 2019 – Minutes
By Polly Dobie
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BCLCILA |
BRITISH COLUMBIA LITERACY COUNCIL of the INTERNATIONAL LITERACY ASSOCIATION www.readingbc.ca
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British Columbia Literacy Council of the International Literacy Association
Date: Annual General Mtg. Wed. Oct 2, 2019 @ 4:00 PM
Location: David Livingstone Elementary School (Library)
315 East 23rd Avenue, Vancouver
Attendance – ILA / BCLCILA memberships verified
Linda Klassen <linda_klassen@hotmail.com>,
Liz Bell lbell@sd43.bc.ca
Karen Addie karenaddie08@gmail.com
Lorna Bennett L5bennet@shaw.ca
Honey Halpern <honeyhalpern@gmail.com>
Shirley Choo schoo10@shaw.ca
Geri Gruft ggruft@vsb.bc.ca
Lori Jamison ljamison@sasktel.net
Carrie Froese <cfroese@vsb.bc.ca>
Kelly Patrick: kpatrick@vsb.bc.ca
Polly Dobie: pollydobie@shaw.ca
Garth Brooks <cgarthbrooks@gmail.com>,
Mike Bowden mbowden@sd73.bc.ca (preferred email)
- Welcome, Introductions and Refreshments:
- Visioning:
– Brief history of why BCLCILA – ReadingBC has come back to establish itself as a presence in the Lower Mainland of Vancouver .
– Kamloops had a vibrant literacy community. Intention was to move BCLCILA to Kamloops to grow the organization. Has not been successful over the last 3 years. Moving BCLCILA back to Vancouver for another attempt to grow the organization.
– Emphasis on building capacity around literacy in B.C[Office1] .
– Focus has been on recruiting a diverse range of educators with well-developed networks with practicing teachers (ie. elementary[Office2] [CF3] , secondary, library, public and private systems, classroom teachers, resource teachers and administrators)
– Two events were held in June, 2018 at University Hill Elementary School to indicate the BCLCILA is active in the Lower Mainland and to provide a template for the running of a Professional Development Event and Community Literacy Event. The purpose was to promote ILA and build capacity. Joyce Perreault[Office4] , Indigenous author and Indigenous[Office5] Support Worker at Elementary / Middle School facilitated both events focusing on Medicine Wheel teachings featuring her new book, All Creation Represented.
– Website has been updated. It is a work in progress.
– Twitter Handle established for BCLiteracyCouncil-Canada @BCLiteracyCoun1 to establish a social media presence: 81 followers to date. Please remember to include handle in tweets.
– Discussion about the session Lori has decided to provide will lead the author session (Pro-d / date and location t.b.a.)
– Discussion about getting the information out /promote regularly (communication/social media.)
– Discussion about link to ILA membership and provincial membership-discussion about ‘branch for membership’
– Discussion about linking our members with ILA at the AGM (networking / face to face/conversations). “It’s a gathering and a sharing.”
– Discussion about people around the province wanting to have a voice and to be supported.
- Book Sharing: tabled until the next meeting.
- Bylaws review:
-Motion: name of association, defining more what the coordinator does, roles played and to played by the Executive.
-We do not have a parallel structure with ILA. and have struggled as a group and so it will be tabled for a future.
Motion: To defer discussion to a future date.
Motion by Shirley seconded by Lori
Carried
Thank you to Garth, Mike and Carrie for their work on the by-laws revision
- Additions to the Agenda
Agenda
Motion to accept – Linda
Seconded by Karen
Carried
- Acceptance of the Minutes of AGM (Jan. 17, 2017) & Business Meeting (May 12, 2019) Previous Minutes Approval:
Motion to approve: Linda
Seconded by Karen.
Carried / 2 Abstentions
- President’s Report: Mike B. is not at meeting in person / Carrie provided an overview of move from the Interior to Lower Mainland Vancouver
- Treasurer’s Report:
Motion – Garth
Seconded by Linda.
Discussion of financial report.
Carried – No Abstentions
- Provincial Coordinator’s Report / Carrie Froese
-Two councils have been inactive / Mike aspires to revitalize South Central Literacy Assoc. group based in Kamloops / Carrie aspiring to revitalize BCLCILA in Lower Mainland of Vancouver, B.C. - Outreach Report – Honey Halpern – Nil report
- Membership Report / Carrie Froese
-The last membership list does not accurately reflect new members.
-Approximately 42 members as of October 2, 2019.
- Election of Executive 2019-2020
Nominations and Voting-
Past President (appointed position): Mike Bowden,
President: Carrie Froese (acclaimed) / Honey Halpern (Withdrew her name)
V.P.: Linda Klassen (acclaimed)
Director of Membership Development: Kelly Patrick (winner by majority vote) / Lorna Bennett,
Secretary: Polly Dobie (winner by majority vote) / Meredith Kezar
Treasurer: Garth Brooks (winner by majority vote) / Shirley Choo
Recommendation for Provincial Co-ordinator : Karen Addie / Lori Jamieson (withdrew her name)
Motion to destroy the ballots after being tallied
Moved – Lori
Seconded – Honey
Carried
Thank you to all of the people who put their names forward for consideration.
- Elected council 2019-2020:
President: Carrie Froese
Vice President: Linda Klassen,
Director of Membership Development: Kelly Patrick
Secretary: Polly Dobie
Treasurer: Garth Brooks
Recommended Provincial Coordinator : Karen Addie
- Proposed Resolutions/ New Business/ Mike Bowden: Request that bylaws be considered.
Motion: A date be set before the next meeting for clarification of bylaws.
Moved – Garth
Seconded – Polly
Carried
Motion: The date to clarify bylaws be set for November 25, 2019.
Moved – Garth
Seconded – Carrie
Carried
20. Strategic Planning Committee / Mike Bowden: tabled
21. Grant and Project Committee: tabled
22. ILA Canadian Reception/ Garth Brooks: tabled
23. CSIG-L/ Garth Brooks: tabled
8. ILA Attendance: Mike, Carrie and Garth to attend upcoming conference in New Orleans
Carrie has scheduled a meeting with Tiffany Sears at ILA to discuss revitalization of BCLCILA in the Lower Mainland of Vancouver, as well as, including but not limited to good governance, by-law revision, procedures and policies, on-line votes, Spring Training session with ILA staff
9. Financial Institutions /By-Laws : tabled
10. Annual Calendar: tabled
11. Next Meeting: t.b.a.
12. Meeting adjourned: 6:45 pm
Moved – Garth / Seconded – Karen / Carried
Stepping Stones
By Margriet Ruurs
Date: January 16, 2017
Time: 4:00 pm – Come Early for a School Tour
Place: Norma Rose Point Elementary School
Colleen Cruz
Colleen Cruz
“One Teacher – Thirty-Two Needs”
Successful Strategies for Reaching Diverse Writers
Friday, October 25th, 2013
Executive Hotel: 4201 Lougheed Highway, Burnaby
Colleen Cruz tackles one of the most significant issues in writing instruction today: How to reach the needs of struggling writers. Teaching the skill of writing is viewed by many educators as a major objective; teaching the will of writing is too often an afterthought. Through her humourous personal experiences and her practical suggestions for teaching writing in the classroom, Colleen Cruz inspired teachers and gave them the tools to help their students to become enamoured with writing.
Ms. Colleen Cruz is a dynamic writer, educator, and consultant, who serves as an instructor at Columbia University in New York, where she teaches at the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project. Through the Project, she works as a staff developer in New York City public schools, as well as a literacy consultant nationally and internationally. Author of many teachers’ resource guides and the young adult novel, Border Crossing, Colleen shares her love for reading and writing, as well as her experience teaching writers with diverse needs in a witty, fun, and powerful way.
Visit www.colleencruz.com
Morning
8-8:30 Registration and “Kidsbooks” display
8:30-10:15 Keynote: “One Teacher – Thirty Two Needs”
10:15-11:15 Break (tea, coffee, and snack will be served)
11:15-12:30 “One Teacher – Thirty Two Needs, Topics, and Plans”
Afternoon
1:30 – 2:45 Teaching Writing Through Pop Culture
Registration Information:
Full Day:
IRA Members: $90
Non-members: $100
Morning Only:
IRA Members: $60
Non-members: $70
Discount for Group of 8 (full day only):
$686.50 ($85.80 per person)
Steven Layne
The BC Council of the International Reading Association
Welcomes Dr. Steven Layne
on October 19th, 2012
REGISTRATION INFORMATION BELOW
We invite you to learn more about
Dr. Layne and to visit his website at: http://www.stevelayne.com/
Steven Layne
“Confessions of a Reading Arsonist”
Successful strategies for building lifelong readers: great ideas you can put in place tomorrow!
With his trademark combination of humor and heart, Steven Layne tackles one of the most significant issues in reading instruction today: how to engage reluctant readers. Teaching the skill of reading is viewed by many educators as a major objective; teaching the will of reading is too often an afterthought. Dr. Layne’s charismatic blend of anecdotes and practical suggestions for the classroom are sure to fan the flame of literacy into a raging inferno, inspiring teachers as well as their students to keep the bedside lamp on just a little bit later into the night.
Dr. Steven L. Layne serves as Professor of Literacy Education at Judson University in Elgin, IL, USA, where he teaches graduate courses and directs the School of Education’s Master of Literacy program. Dr. Layne is a respected international literacy consultant, motivational keynote speaker, and featured author throughout the world. Author of 23 books, Steve is currently serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the International Reading Association.
Getting Graphic: Effective Literacy Learning with Comics and Graphic Literature
By Bev DeMonyé
Our recent October 21 professional development event, Getting Graphic was attended by over 150 educators. They came from school districts throughout the province and we were excited to have approximately 30 students! Our four presenters did a fabulous job of offering participants a wonderful balance of information.
- Jo-Anne Naslund, Instructional Programs Librarian, University of British Columbia, reviewed criteria for the selection and evaluation of graphic texts for teaching purposes and independent reading.
- Kathie Shoemaker, Author/Illustrator, addressed the process of creating graphic literature.
- Margot Filipenko, Senior Instructor, University of British Columbia, brought new meaning to the term graphic literature as a multimodal genre and explained why teachers should use comics and graphic literature in the classroom.
- Dionne Risler, Grade One Teacher from Collingwood elementary, explained how she uses graphic literature with her students to teach both reading and writing.
This was truly an event that had wide appeal to many educators at different levels and in different teaching situations!
As an added bonus, Vi Hughes, President of CWILL (Children’s Writers and Illustrators of BC Society) arranged for a group of BC authors to attend the conference and provide participants with an opportunity to review their publications that have a highly visual aspect and relate to current curriculum. For more about CWILL, go to http://www.cwill.bc.ca/
Kidsbooks provided an on site store for the convenient previewing and purchasing of books. For further information about the books at our conference go to http://www.kidsbooks.ca/default.aspx
Next year on Friday, October 19th, 2012 (Provincial Professional Development Day) we will be sponsoring another event at the Executive Inn in Burnaby. We have arranged for Dr. Steve Layne to be our presenter. Dr. Layne is on the International Reading Association board of directors and is a world renowned speaker. Visit his website at http://www.stevelayne.com/
For more information go to the Upcoming Events section of our website.