Sunday, November 12, 2017

Taste of TMC5 Papers : Instructional Approaches

Culturally Relevant and Responsive School Library Learning Commons

Quotations from the Papers


"The documentation and sharing of learning in our makerspace has indeed made learning visible and has kindled conversation about making across the curriculum, resulting in an impact on teaching and learning not only in the library learning commons makerspace, but across the school." MelanieMulcaster

"Through the implementation of the library learning commons model, there will be more opportunities for wisdom to be cultivated, shared, and applied to students’ learning, and in the development of effective teaching and learning approaches." 

"The entire school community should be a safe and supportive environment for all learners to develop, understand and value their own identity as well as the identity of others. The school library learning commons can be very instrumental in setting the tone for self-discovery and inclusiveness."

“As instructional leaders, teacher-librarians should always be thinking about ways to integrate reconciliation and Indigenous cultures within their schools…….. As educators, we have a tremendous role to play in the shaping of the Indigenous narrative in Canada. What we do, say, or don’t do and say, how we teach or the perspectives we champion in our Library Learning Commons have a tremendous impact on our students - Indigenous and non-Indigenous, alike.” Jo-AnneGibson

"Changing our practice as educators often requires changes in the way we think about the world, that is, changes in our often-unexamined assumptions about what is reality. The work of considering new-to-us theoretical frameworks and discourses is difficult and often uncomfortable." 

"Windows and mirrors analogy - Make sure your students can see out the windows to learn about others, but they also need to see themselves in your school and Library learning Commons community to feel acknowledged and included." VivianneVogarty

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Taste of TMC5 Papers : Learning Environment

Culturally Relevant and Responsive School LibraryLearning Commons

Picture Book Representations of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, and Queer (LGBTQ) Families and Their Presence in School Libraries in Canada

by Michelle Brown
This paper details a research study focused on inclusion of LGBTQ literature in school library collections, specifically picture book depiction of family; and the challenges, concerns and best practices teacher-librarians face in developing inclusive collections. Research literature, components, methodology, results and references are shared along with an extensive list of LGBTQ titles studied across several provinces. Ms. Brown presents a fascinating look at an important and sensitive topic, with hope that library staff will continue or commence to work with their learning communities “to build collections inclusive to all”.

Equity and Social Justice in The Library Learning Commons

by Jenn Brown, Ontario
Teacher-librarian Jennifer Brown writes and reflects about the potential of the library learning commons design and practice to address equity and social justice in co-planning learning and teaching experiences, as well as shares the developed concept of an “open maker forum” for students. Brown includes reflective questions and resources for teacher-librarians to help build capacity in addressing equity and social justice, and provides two recent library learning commons project examples accompanied by illustrative photos: 1) a staff wide inquiry into embedding First Nation, Métis and Inuit perspectives in practice, and 2) a daily open learning opportunity for student voice in the makerspace movement.

Revisioning the Library as a Learning Commons

by Carlo Fusco

Enjoy this on site video of transformations Carlo Fusco has made to address building a Culturally Relevant and Responsive School Library Learning Commons learning community.

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Taste of TMC5: Leveraging Technology

Culturally Relevant and Responsive School Library LearningCommons

School libraries and eLearning: Answering the call for access and equity by Michelle Campbell and Alanna King

Campbell and King share their work in Upper Grand District School Board to address equity and access to eLearning for all learners but especially at risk adolescents.
  • Learning beyond school walls
  • School libraries as safe spaces for eLearning
  • Embedded school librarianship in online classrooms
  • Imperative support for at-risk eLearning students
  • Bridging the digital divide by partnering with public libraries


Founding Fathers Fighting to Toppling Tarnished Tributes – The Impact of Social Media, Primary Sources and Equity Education on A “Kids Guide to Canada” Prime Ministers Project by Diana Maliszewski

How can we help every student grow to be informed and active Canadians and global citizens?
What starts out as a family ‘Canada 150’ project soon morphs into a teaching and learning challenge for Diana Maliszewski. Enjoy this personal research journey through the conflicts and biases uncovered in some typical school library secondary sources and keep pace with the discoveries of alternate perspectives due to ‘real life’ incidents and then on to new revelations prompted by social media postings. Maliszewski then relates how she plans to take her own learning into the design of lessons for her classes. Only Maliszewski ends up with many still unsolved questions. Please add comments to this page if you have ideas and suggestions for her next steps.

Digital Human Library: Reimagining Library Collections in the 21st Century by Leigh Cassell

"With 19% of Canada’s population living in rural areas, there is an urgent need for resources and training to support students attending school in rural settings. Connections-based learning addresses many of the inequities rural students face by leveraging our connected world to cultivate meaningful relationships with others, as we partner locally and globally, learn with experts, support organizations, and serve our communities"
You can learn more about Leigh by visiting her website: https://www.digitalhumanlibrary.org


Sunday, October 15, 2017

Taste of TMC 5 Papers: Learning Partnerships

Culturally Relevant and Responsive School Library Learning Commons: Learning Partnerships


Power of the Arts and Technology in Collaborating with an Aboriginal Teen by Rhonda Hunter

“What happens when you pair a teacher-librarian with an Aboriginal teen?” In this paper you will discover the process and result of one such delightful collaboration resulting in the creation of a picture book about the prairie’s famous Chinooks, Chinook and Winter, written by teacher-librarian Rhonda Hunter and illustrated by high school student Jayce Lamontagne. Hunter presents the backgrounds of both writer and artist, incorporating technology effectively in the process, and encouraging educators to consider such collaborations in all schools.

 Inquiry Buddies by Greg Harris and Khai Ma

"There are many challenges when teachers and classrooms want to plan and work together. For planning, allocating money to facilitate the learning amongst teachers can always be a challenge. As a Principal, when a teacher or group of teachers initiate an interest that promotes learning and development of relationships among varying groups of students it is hard not to support this...."Allison Thomas, Principal of Ardagh Bluffs P.S. from Inquiry Buddies by Harris & Ma

 Working Together as a Learning Community by Pat Trottier

In her paper Pat Trottier shares many school projects and initiatives where relationship building had a very positive impact on teaching and learning. Teachers and students built stronger connections and parents and other community members were important partners in learning to understand and appreciate each other. Trottier relates how her diverse school community came together, over a two year period, as a culturally responsive learning community with the Library Learning Commons central to all programs.

Infusing Indigenous Perspectives in our Teaching and Learning by Joel Krentz

"A number of staff members had some legitimate concerns; a) they did not want to offend and b) they did not want to appropriate. Outside of the curriculum, they felt that they did not know enough about Indigenous culture and history to be able to effectively share these perspectives. They wanted to know what activities and teaching approaches were culturally sensitive and appropriate and which were not. I acknowledged these concerns and agreed to learn more myself and share what I learned at the next division meetings in June. I had homework to do." 


Wednesday, October 11, 2017

TMC5 Papers

TMC5 Theme: Culturally Relevant and Responsive School Library Learning Commons


  • Learning Environment 
  • Instructional Approaches 
  • Learning Partnerships 
  • Leveraging Technology

TMC 2017 Papers are published on a Google site to promote collaborative study and dialogue. Papers are peer reviewed and posted as soon as possible. More are coming so keep revisiting the site.


The papers have been posted according to the four subthemes of this symposium however the editors acknowledge that many papers actually connect across more than one theme. Each paper has its own page complete with information about the author and a brief summary of the work. At the bottom of the page a PDF of the paper is attached for you to study. As you read you can add comments for the author in the comments section under the PDF Paper. The authors will appreciate your thoughts, questions and additional ideas and links and we encourage our authors to respond to comments.

All paper writers and attendees at TMC5 in Winnipeg will have access to make comments if we have your gmail address. We hope that everyone will read as many papers as possible before coming to the symposium in Winnipeg because we will not have time during the event. If you are not able to attend in person we would still appreciate your comments.

NOTE: You need to sign into this site with your Google account to add comments to the papers. Look for the 'Sign In' tab at the bottom of Home Page'. 

Saturday, September 23, 2017

TMC5 Badge

Are you participating in TMC5? 


We invite you to use this badge on your website, blog or social media channel.

Don't forget to use our hashtag: #TMCanada2017



Friday, September 15, 2017

It's time to register!

It's time to register for TMC5 and the MSLA Conference!

 TMC5
Click on the image to download the flyer. 

Find out everything you need to know here. 


Friday, September 8, 2017

MSLA SAGE Conference Program

The program for the Manitoba School Library Association's SAGE conference is now available! 

Canadian School Libraries is partnering with MSLA, aligning our TMC5 symposium with this MSLA professional learning event.

We invite you to register for both events! 

The TMC5 theme, Culturally Relevant and Responsive School Library Learning Commons, builds on ideas from MSLA conference theme, Truth in Our Stories: Seeking a Path to Reconciliation.

Have a look at the MSLA conference program.


Learn more about TMC5, including how you can register for the symposium or for both events. 


Sunday, August 27, 2017

TMC5 Registration in now open!

Registration for TMC5 is now open!

Canadian School Libraries is very pleased to be hosting TMC5 in partnership with the Manitoba School Library Association's SAGE Conference. This is a great opportunity for TMC participants to attend both events! When you register for both, you will receive complimentary admission to our special tour of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
 
Treasure Mountain Canada 5
CanadInns Destination Centre, Fort Garry, 1824 Pembina Hwy
Friday October 20, 7:00-9:00 pm & Saturday October 21, 8:30-3:00 pm.
* The Kick-off Dinner, continental breakfast and lunch are all included in the registration fee.
Full TMC5 Conference: $150.00
 
MSLA SAGE Conference
Fort Richmond Collegiate, 99 Killarney Ave., Winnipeg
Friday October 20, 8:30 - 3:15
MSLA Member Rate: Early Bird: $85.00 / After Sept. 30 - $95.00
Non-Member Rate: Early Bird: $95.00 / After Sept. 30 - $105.00
Options available for half day attendance.  Lunch is provided for those who register before October 15.

Canadian Museum for Human Rights Tour: $20.00.
FREE if you register for both SAGE and TMC5.

Click here to register

Registration is provided by the Manitoba Teachers' Society (MTS). You do not need to be an MTS member to use the system.

For more detailed instructions on how to use the MTS system to register, see: http://www.mbteach.org/pdfs/pd/pro-HowToRegisterOnlineForAnEvent_2017.pdf 

Making Travel Plans for TMC5

Canad InnsAll TMC5 sessions and meals will be held at:

Canad Inns Destination Centre Fort Garry
1824 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, Manitoba  R3T 2G2

Canadian School Libraries has booked a block of rooms at Canad Inns at a special conference rate.
  • Standard room: $114.00/night
  • Applicable date(s): October 19 – 22
  • Group block confirmation number (please quote this number when you reserve): 261346
  • Book before September 21, 2017. (After this date, contact CSL for booking assistance)


Treasure Mountain Canada is a participatory learning experience designed to bring researchers and practitioners together to discuss and debate current Canadian research and scholarly writing which has an impact on the role of school libraries vis-à-vis educational strategy and transformation. Participants at this year's symposium will study issues related to Culturally Relevant and Responsive School Library Learning Commons through papers exploring:
  • Learning Environment
  • Instructional Approaches
  • Learning Partnerships
  • Leveraging Technology
Connect to our Culturally Responsive SLLC webpage for resource links to get you thinking about the theme.  

Visit the TMC Website for complete information about this symposium and past events.

Follow the TMC Blog

Share on Twitter (#tmcanada2017)

We look forward to seeing you in Winnipeg!



CSL Donate


Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Sparking TMC5: Questions to Explore

Who am I? Who are we? These age old questions have generated study and philosophical conversations for centuries and remain important today as a basis for building for the future.

This fall at TMC5 in Winnipeg, Manitoba school library leaders and practitioners will gather to study the role library learning commons can play in helping learners find their place and make sense of their worlds by exploring papers, interacting with guest speakers and collaborative work based on the theme of Culturally Relevant and Responsive School Library Learning Commons.

Working together we will uncover opportunities, challenges and possibilities to enable fostering a culturally relevant and responsive school library learning commons.

These subthemes will help frame the work of TMC5 Symposium:

  • Learning Environment
  • Instructional Approaches
  • Learning Partnerships
  • Leveraging Technology

We want you to participate in TMC5 and help us to explore these ideas. To get your thinking started, consider these possible questions for TMC5 research and study:

  • How can we enable every student to see themselves and their community?
  • How can we help every student grow to be informed and active Canadians and global citizens?
  • Who can we collaborate with to ensure students gain many perspectives?
  • What stories do our learners need to hear?
  • How can we help our learners build deep knowledge of communities and caring of others?
  • How can we incorporate the power of the arts to broaden student cultural knowledge?
  • How can technologies help to connect students to real worlds and experiences?
  • Why is it important to take a lead on issues of diversity, equity and inclusiveness?

Explore a few resources to get you thinking about culturally relevant and responsive school library learning commons. What are the opportunities, challenges and possibilities you are pondering? What questions would be useful for you to explore?

Check the TMC website and plan to participate. We need your stories, research, strategies and observations to collectively build voice for the future work of school libraries. Papers are required by October 1, 2017.


Attendance at the symposium is not a requirement; for those who cannot attend the actual event, we invite conversations  via our blog http://tmcanada.blogspot.ca/ and Twitter, using the hashtag #tmcanada2017.

For planning purposes, please let us know if you hope to submit a paper. If you have any questions or wish to discuss this initiative further contact Carol Koechlin by email or by phone (416-751-0889), or contact any member of the planning committee. Watch for more details coming soon regarding the TMC5 program and registration information on the TMC website.

Planning Committee for Treasure Mountain Canada TMC5

Anita Brooks Kirkland, CSL Chair – anitabk[at]bythebrooks.ca
Carol Koechlin, CSL Vice-Chair – koechlin[at]sympatico.ca
Liz Kerr, CSL Treasurer – richlizkerr[at]gmail.com
Jo-Anne Gibson, CSL Communications, SAGE Conference Co-chair – jagibson[at]pembinatrails.ca
Vivianne Fogarty, SAGE Conference Co-chair – vfogarty[at]pembinatrails.ca


Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Announcing TMC5, October 2017

Planning is well underway for the fifth Treasure Mountain Canada research symposium and think tank, taking place October 20 and 21, 2017 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Canadian School Libraries is very pleased to be partnering with the Manitoba School Library Association to hold TMC5 in conjunction with its annual SAGE Conference.


Please visit the new TMC website for information about how you can participate in TMC5, and resources related to the symposium's theme, Culturally Relevant and Responsive School Library Learning Commons.

tmc.canadianschoollibraries.ca