8P42 Section 1: Our Amazing Resources by

Yvonne M.

ymessenger2 — 2025-01-05 19:28:37 UTC

The Wild Robot

2025-01-08 15:53:42 UTC

I chose this book because it was written by Canadian award winning author Peter Brown. This chapter book is appropriate for grades 4-6 and its summary intrigued me with themes of survival, empathy, and environmental justice. The idea of a robot learning to connect with nature and animals while navigating the challenges of belonging and community care felt like a unique and thought-provoking story. I was drawn to how it explores the importance of inclusion, connection, and the natural world, all of which align with values I find meaningful and relevant to today’s conversations around social justice.

The Mystery of Black Hollow Lane

2025-01-09 13:51:20 UTC

I chose this book because it is the debut novel by Canadian author, Julia Nobel. Recently published in 2019, this novel is appropriate for grades 4-6. The summary of this novel intrigued me as it is a mystery adventure, that explored themes of friendship, family dynamics, courage and determination. I was drawn to this book as it offers a captivating blend of mystery and adventure, which is both engaging and thought-provoking read for junior-grade readers. The exploration of themes like friendship, family dynamics, courage and determination adds depth to the story, making it not just an exciting read but one for meaningful lessons.

Rebecca Robertson

2025-01-10 14:05:45 UTC

I chose this book because it is written by a Canadian author, and it is a text that I have never read. Based on the description of the book, I believe it will cover important topics like inclusion, emotional regulation, and forgiveness, all of which are essential in a classroom.

Amal Unbound

2025-01-10 14:28:18 UTC

I chose the book Amal Unbound for this terms book club assignment as it is a junior (gr. 4-6) grade appropriate novel that introduces students to important themes such as resilience, empowerment, and social justice in a way that is accessible to students as the protagonist is relatable to them. The book helps the raise awareness on a variety of issues that exist in a rural Pakistan neighbourhood such as gender inequality and access to education. Looking at these issues, students can develop a sense of empathy for the characters in the story. Lastly, I think that this text is a great option to promote critical thinking skills in students, particularly in regard to creating positive changes in the world and overcoming a variety of challenges.

Front Desk by Kelly Yang

2025-01-10 14:28:22 UTC

I chose this novel as it would fit in well with grades 4-6 and allow the opportunity to discuss racism, immigration and socio-economic struggles in an age-appropriate way. Kelly Yang dives into a story about Mia, a young Chinese immigrant working with her parents to help support their family while navigating various challenges regarding fairness and justice. I think this novel would be very impactful to students where they will be able to connect to the content in a meaningful and age-appropriate way.

The Barren Grounds

2025-01-10 14:34:04 UTC

I chose this book because it was written by an Indigenous author David A. Robertson. This chapter book is would be appropriate for older Junior grades (5-6) and the book bridges Narnia and traditional Indigenous stories of the sky and constellations in an epic middle-grade fantasy series from award-winning author David Robertson.

Morgan and Eli, two Indigenous children forced away from their families and communities, are brought together in a foster home in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They each feel disconnected, from their culture and each other, and struggle to fit in at school and at their new home -- until they find a secret place, walled off in an unfinished attic bedroom. A portal opens to another reality, Askí, bringing them onto frozen, barren grounds, where they meet Ochek (Fisher). The only hunter supporting his starving community, Misewa, Ochek welcomes the human children, teaching them traditional ways to survive. But as the need for food becomes desperate, they embark on a dangerous mission. Accompanied by Arik, a sassy Squirrel they catch stealing from the trapline, they try to save Misewa before the icy grip of winter freezes everything -- including them.

Brenna Cavanagh

2025-01-10 14:37:00 UTC

I chose this book because not only does it meet many aspects of the criteria, it considers both Indigenous communities as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. I like that it talks about a recent event that I am familiar with, while connecting it to Indigenous communities that I would like to learn more about. It seems like it tells a very powerful story and will provide me with a better understanding of the main character's heritage, Penacook.

Dreamer

2025-01-10 14:41:11 UTC

This story really intrigued me when I read its description. Published in 2023, it's written by a Canadian hockey player, Akim Aliu. It is about his struggle with racism in the world of hockey here in Canada. This book seems perfect for a grade 6 class as it covers some heavy topics and uses more explicit language to depict his struggles, and I think racism is a crucial topic to discuss in the junior grades. I also was drawn to it because I have faced criticism in the world of sport based on my gender, so I felt that it would be really beneficial to learn more about how racism can impact one's athletic career. - Isabel G

Ashley Barr

2025-01-10 14:43:11 UTC

I chose the book "Fish out of Water" by Joanne Levy who is a Canadian award winning author for books that are geared towards young teens and middle school students. This book is appropriate for grades 4-6. This novel was published in 2020 and the summary really caught my attention. It is about a 12-year old boy who doesn't like "regular boy things". He hates sports but loves crafts and dancing. He doesn't understand why everyone thinks he needs to participate in activities that he has no interest in just because he is a boy. I was interested in this novel because I think a lot of middle school students could relate to this.

Madeline Gould

2025-01-10 14:44:05 UTC

I chose the book Wonder as it relates to social justice by fostering empathy, critical reflection, and a desire for change, making it especially impactful for children ages 8-12 as they develop awareness of the world around them. It encourages curiosity about others' experiences, helping them understand diverse perspectives and challenge assumptions about inequality. This sense of wonder inspires advocacy and lifelong learning, prompting young learners to question unjust systems and imagine more equitable solutions. By breaking down stereotypes and promoting inclusivity, wonder becomes a powerful tool for building compassionate and socially aware communities.

Freak The Mighty

2025-01-10 14:47:58 UTC

Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick, tells the story of two boys. Max is a boy who struggles with learning, and Kevin is a genius with a disability called Morquio syndrome. Although they have different experiences, the two have become friends, sharing a commonality in bullying and social rejection. I chose this book because it highlights themes of friendship, empathy, anti-bullying, and experiences from exceptional identities, all of which are important for junior-grade students to be aware of. This is a period of development where social interactions become more prominent and independent, therefore fostering the importance of understanding different perspectives and treating others with compassion.

Sabrina Rocha

2025-01-10 14:55:32 UTC

The novel I chose is The Kodiaks: Home Ice Advantage by David A. Robertson, it relates to discrimination against Indigenous peoples, and allows students to comprehend the importance of teamwork, resilience, and community. The challenges the main character faces includes getting rid of stereotypes, weaving cultural pride and identity, and fitting into the hockey team. This is a great novel for Junior grade levels as it allows them to comprehend Indigenous communities, relate to personal interests like Hockey, and allows students to put themselves in character's perspectives.

Mackenzie R.

2025-01-10 14:56:30 UTC

This book is written by a Canadian author and was published in 2023. I found this on the Silver Birch Nominee list. I chose this book because I am very interested in paranormal and scary stories. I wanted to choose something that would hold my attention. This book is about a town where you can't stay out after dark because of the scary creatures that roam the city. But the adults in the town are oblivious to these creatures. This story reminds me of a show I watched as a kid called Gravity Falls, and I am excited to see where the story goes.

The Jigsaw Puzzle King - Jadyn G

2025-01-10 22:02:44 UTC

I decided to choose the book The Jigsaw Puzzle King. This book is a 2021 Silver Birch Fiction Award — Winner and is written by the Canadian author Gina McMurchy-Barber. This book explores the challenges of fitting in and embracing differences, making it an important read for the classroom. Through Warren's journey of navigating life with his twin brother Bennie, who has Down syndrome, it looks into themes of acceptance, empathy, and self-discovery. Warren's struggle to balance his own identity with being a supportive sibling shows the value of understanding and celebrating diversity, offering students an opportunity to discuss inclusion, kindness, and the importance of seeing beyond stereotypes.

Olivia Trolio

2025-01-10 22:45:13 UTC

I chose Wonder because it offers a profound exploration of empathy, kindness, and the challenges of being different. The story, told from multiple perspectives, allows readers to connect with various characters and see how their lives are impacted by one boy’s journey with a facial difference. It’s a compelling read that not only sparks meaningful conversations about acceptance and bullying but also encourages personal reflection on how we treat others in our everyday lives.

Lauren Watkinson

2025-01-11 17:54:36 UTC

I chose this book because it was written by the Canadian author Eric Walters. This book follows the themes of inclusion and acceptance as the family adopts Bear, a specially trained service dog. Bear is trained to support their son who has a disability, but also teaches the entire family about patience, understanding and love. This book is recommended for middle grade readers ages 8-10, making this a perfect novel for grades 3-5. I chose this book because I believe it will cover important topics like inclusion, environmental issues (wildfires), disabilities, and accessibility.

hailyannelegacy — 2025-01-12 23:25:37 UTC

I chose The Case of the Missing Auntie because it is a compelling mystery novel that not only engages students with an exciting storyline but also incorporates meaningful themes of social justice and cultural heritage. Written by a Cree author, this book highlights the importance of family and community while addressing the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples, such as the impact of residential schools. Its relatable characters, the Mighty Muskrats, offer young readers a chance to see Indigenous youth as problem-solvers and heroes. The novel also encourages critical thinking and empathy, making it a perfect choice for fostering thoughtful discussions in the classroom.

Asking for a Friend

2025-01-13 01:12:29 UTC

I chose this book by Canadian author Ronnie Riley as it is a thoughtful book that is relatable and engaging for junior grades. This book features a non-binary protagonist, introducing youth to social justice themes of gender identity and self-expression. It also explores mental health, focusing on anxiety which is important to not only introduce but normalize among young readers. This book also discusses bullying and highlights the importance of inclusivity encouraging youth to embrace diversity, seek help and build impactful friendships. I believe this text is valuable for young readers as it introduces key concepts in an age-appropriate and engaging way.

Weird Rules to Follow - Abby H

2025-01-13 15:01:37 UTC

I chose to read Weird Rules to Follow because it offers a unique and important perspective on growing up Indigenous in a small town, and I believe it will provide valuable insights into the challenges many young people face. Mia’s story stood out to me because it explores themes of identity, belonging, and the ways in which culture and class impact our experiences. The contrast between Mia’s life and her best friend Lara’s life promises to shed light on how societal expectations and biases shape the way others perceive Mia, and how she comes to understand and navigate those differences.

As an educator, I’m especially interested in how this book introduces Tsimshian culture and the significance of respecting and acknowledging Indigenous traditions. I’m eager to learn more about Mia’s journey of self-discovery and resilience, and how the story addresses the broader issues of identity and community. I feel that reading this book will not only deepen my understanding of these crucial themes but also help me connect with diverse perspectives and bring that awareness into my teaching practice.

Sabrina Rocha

2025-01-13 19:23:54 UTC

Olivia Trolio

2025-01-13 20:16:25 UTC

Davis Ciccone

2025-01-13 22:37:30 UTC

I chose the book Red Wolf by Jennifer Dance. It is written by a Canadian author and offers an Indigenous perspective. After reading the summary, it seemed like a great book that can relate to learning about residential schools in a non-offensive and engaging way for junior students.

All our Relations - Kamila Bednarczyk

2025-01-14 04:36:42 UTC

I chose this book because it is written by an Indigenous and Canadian author, Tanya Talaga in 2018. This book is a relatively recent explanation and narrative of the unfair circumstances that many Indigenous people still experience in Canada today, including lack of fair access to jobs, schooling, safety, and health services. A combination of these things has presumably raised the prevalence of youth suicide in Indigenous communities, which is what Tanya tries to draw attention to in this story. Equity and justice is very important to me which is a reason why I chose this book as it interests me. I hope to learn about things that I can do to help Indigenous youth now and when I start teaching.

Mackenzie Raikou

2025-01-14 13:19:18 UTC

I have already posted about the book I have chosen, however I am changing my post. This book is called "Eerie Tales from the School of Screams." It was written by a Canadian author and was published after 2013. I found it on the sIlver Birch Nominee list. I chose this book because I am interested in paranormal and scare stories. This story is simply about students telling scary stories. Which I find interesting. The reason why I have switched books, is simply because I cannot find the other one at the library

2025-01-14 16:16:54 UTC

I choose this book because of its relevance to society and the text's main theme on how it brings people together is really important for students to recognize as many students face the challenge to connect. Additionally, I really enjoyed how Eric Walters did it through the lens of Grade 5-6 students!

A Stranger at Home - Kamila Bednarczyk

2025-01-14 16:25:44 UTC

I chose this book because it is written by a Canadian author with Indigenous roots. This book sparked my interest because it shows a different perspective on Residential Schools. Rather than explaining the experiences children have at residential schools, this story shows the experiences children have when they return home, and how they feel like outsiders in their own homes. This book is a best-seller that is geared towards students in grades 4-6. I look forward to reading this book and learning more about the topic.

Buffalo Dreamer

2025-01-14 16:30:17 UTC

I chose this book because it was written by an Indigenous, Canadian author, published in 2024, and I have never read it before. This story surrounds a young girl who has dreams about residential schools. With this, she learns that her grandpa is a residential school survivor and she becomes determined to learn about the past of Indigenous people. I think this book would allow for thoughtful and insightful conversations to occur that would further students knowledge on Indigenous people.

Coop Knows The Scoop - Sarah Mattina

2025-01-15 01:41:22 UTC

I chose to read Coop Knows the Scoop by Taryn Souders published in 2020 because the mystery theme caught my attention. The story follows Coop, a boy in a small town, as he and his friends investigate a skeleton found buried beneath the playground. Along the way, secrets about the town and Coop’s own family come to light. The book combines suspense, humor, and heart, making it a compelling read for junior grades.

I found this book interesting because it explores important themes like fairness, community, and uncovering the truth, all within an exciting mystery. It seems like a great way to engage young readers while also encouraging them to think critically and discuss meaningful topics.

Living with Viola

2025-01-15 14:57:41 UTC

I chose this graphic novel, Living with Viola by Canadian author Rosena Fung because it highlights important themes of mental illness from the perspective of a young girl who's parents immigrated from Hong Kong. This book explored complex themes of anxiety and panic disorders, the struggle to fit in as a young person, and the pressure to be perfect. This book introduces these concepts through a young girl named Olivia, and Viola, her anxiety brought to life. This graphic novel is suitable for children ages 9 to 12 years old, so it is suitable for junior grades.

Unplugged - Gordon Korman

2025-01-15 16:27:51 UTC

I chose this book, honestly because the cover was very interesting to me. Reading the synopsis on the back, the book is about a tech billionaire who is extremely spoiled. One day, his father drops him off in the middle of the wilderness, where he is pretty much forced to participate in wholesome activities and "unplug" from technology. When getting comfortable with the idea of unplugging from technology, he notices that the adults are acting really strange and is determined to get to the bottom of it.

I'm very interested to see where this book goes!

The Grover School Pledge

2025-01-16 15:07:06 UTC

The Grover School Pledge by Wanda Taylor is about Arlaina Jefferson, who wants to prove herself. Her goal is to grow and stay out of trouble for the year. The story talks about the ignorance of some students and teachers in the school. The character faces many challenges. They pledge to right a systemic wrong in the school. Wanda Taylor is a Canadian author who advocated for human rights issues and helping marginalized individuals. Her books help students understand these difficult topics and shed light on their struggles.

Mackenzie, Mithuna & Sabrina

2025-01-17 12:59:07 UTC

Kyra, Isabel, and Jessica

2025-01-17 13:00:22 UTC

Venn Diagram Strategy

Ashley, Paige & Kamila

2025-01-17 13:01:46 UTC

Cluster Strategy

Kate, Maddie, Madeline

2025-01-17 13:02:00 UTC

Andrea, Julia, Alyssa

2025-01-17 13:02:26 UTC

Rebecca, Shawna, Davis.

2025-01-17 13:04:33 UTC

Shared reading strategy.

Brenna C, Abby H, and Lexi L

2025-01-17 13:06:44 UTC

Jadyn G, Lauren W, Olivia T

2025-01-17 13:09:25 UTC

Open-Mind Portrait

Amber, Haily, & Sarah

2025-01-17 13:10:52 UTC

Kyra O'Hanlon - PLP

2025-02-07 13:06:18 UTC

Wondering Question: How can literacy skills naturally emerge through play-based and inquiry-based learning in kindergarten?

Respecting and Incorporating Indigenous Perspectives

2025-02-07 13:06:25 UTC

Professional Learning Project - Abby Hill

2025-02-07 13:06:50 UTC

Kamila Bednarczyk

2025-02-07 13:07:03 UTC

How can I support Multilingual Learners in my language arts classes at the junior level with their reading comprehension skills?

Jessica Tomassi - PLP

2025-02-07 13:07:15 UTC

Wondering Question: How can teachers improve reading comprehension in primary grades through explicit strategy instruction?

Promoting Family Literacy

2025-02-07 13:07:26 UTC

Here is the link to my multimodal slide show. There is a mix of voiceovers, interactive links, and videos. Please feel free to scope through the slides!

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGdnfa7GeY/JdA0yoG0I0_PNg4ZHWoq9Q/edit?utm_content=DAGdnfa7GeY&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Isabel G - PLP Blog

2025-02-07 13:08:49 UTC

Here is the link to my blog

https://sites.google.com/view/8p42-plpblog/home

Rebecca Robertson -PLP

2025-02-07 13:10:13 UTC

Professional Learning Project- Sabrina Rocha

2025-02-07 21:27:10 UTC

What strategies can be used to encourage active listening and thoughtful responses in classroom discussions?

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1nF9pF6lEF7vjeIbQJDom-ueYQhZYrPaD_fU_D-PdeWg/edit?usp=sharing

PLP - Ashley Barr

2025-02-08 05:12:46 UTC

https://sites.google.com/view/plp-ashley-barr?usp=sharing

Amber Durdle- PLP

2025-02-10 13:43:48 UTC

My Wondering Question: How can I design an early reading instruction program that supports phonemic awareness, decoding skills, and comprehension, while being inclusive of diverse learners and promoting a love of reading from the start?

Jadyn Goncalves - PLP

2025-02-10 21:10:11 UTC

Professional Learning Project- Lauren Watkinson

2025-02-10 22:34:32 UTC

Here is the link to my PLP: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10VH4O-esB8s6cVegpJMCAD5TUtHjiFSQ1U5zGIXiEI4/edit?usp=sharing

Alyssa McCarthy-PLP

alyssamccarthy15 — 2025-02-10 22:44:53 UTC

https://sites.google.com/view/alyssa-mccarthyplp?usp=sharing

Davis Ciccone - Long Range Planning PLP

2025-02-11 01:13:00 UTC

Brenna Cavanagh - PLP

2025-02-11 02:03:42 UTC

Here is the link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14542ZD58P3eB5UCUzg2ZRZD81DvrjSoAZ27hvMcV1aw/edit?usp=sharing

Professional Learning Project - Sarah Mattina

2025-02-11 04:44:52 UTC

Professional Learning Project- Lexi Levesque

2025-02-11 14:00:55 UTC

Madeline- PLP

2025-02-11 18:11:32 UTC

Here is the link to my multimodal slide show

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGdskfqF88/MLfgs_SXElRSAWDak2UdJg/edit?utm_content=DAGdskfqF88&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Question: Which targeted interventions are most effective in improving reading fluency and comprehension for junior-grade students who are significantly behind their peers in literacy development?

Selecting Indigenous Literature and Teaching Indigenous lives, Perspectives and Issues

2025-02-14 13:09:08 UTC

Mithuna Rajeendran- PLP

2025-02-14 13:33:13 UTC

Book Club Handout

2025-02-14 13:33:41 UTC

by Sabrina, Mackenzie, Mithuna

Book Club Handout

2025-02-14 13:36:10 UTC

Kyra, Jessica, Isabel

Book Club Reading Response Handouts

2025-02-14 13:36:28 UTC

By: Jadyn G, Lauren W, & Olivia T

Haily Legacy-PLP

hailyannelegacy — 2025-02-14 13:36:52 UTC

Book Club Handout - Abby, Lexi, Brenna

2025-02-14 13:37:40 UTC

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGe5THvGPg/1LyvlwpLwJc1s03fZeOq2g/view?utm_content=DAGe5THvGPg&utm_campaign=share_your_design&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=shareyourdesignpanel

Book Club Handout

2025-02-14 13:39:12 UTC

Ashley, Paige, Kamila

Book Club Handout: Amber, Sarah, and Haily

hailyannelegacy — 2025-02-14 13:51:26 UTC

PLP- Kate Elliott

2025-02-14 14:24:24 UTC

Book Club Handout

2025-02-14 14:26:04 UTC

Kate, Maddie, Madeline

Book Club Handout Link

2025-02-14 15:43:34 UTC

By: Andrea, Julia, Alyssa