École Westridge Library Learning Commons

Here are some of my favourite picks for starting Kindergarten!  We look forward to seeing you in September!

For more text to text connections, here are some other terrific titles to explore:

• First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
• Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes
• The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
• You’re Finally Here by Melanie Watt
• If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff
• If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don’t by Elise Parsley
• David Goes to School by David Shannon
• Clark the Shark by Bruce Hale
• When We are Kind by Monique Gray-Smith

At École Westridge our focus is on celebrating diversity all year long.  Inclusion at its best is celebrating and showcasing all cultures; faiths; gender diversities and abilities all year.

Black History Month is an important part of keeping diversity at the forefront of our minds: to ensure that Black Canadians are seen and heard and that legacies are appreciated.

We recognize historical wrongs and celebrate Canadians who fought –  and continue to fight for racial equality in Canada. February – and all year long – we celebrate these individuals who stood up against prejudices.

We have a lot of great books in the library.  Look for these books on display now in the École Westridge LLC.

To learn about past injustices and abolitionists:

To learn about Famous Black Canadians  :

Here are some wonderful online resources to promote Black History, all year long.

https://wakelet.com/wake/QRykSt-X4stcV4J9rfl4X

Family Literacy Day is WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27th!

What will you do as a family to celebrate?

Look for ideas at https://abclifeliteracy.ca/all-programs/family-literacy-day/

The Westridge staff voted and here are the logo contest winners!  Great work everyone!

INTERMEDIATE                                                                             PRIMARY

Our theme for the Library this year is Reading is the Root.  I love all the imagery this them has to offer.

Your challenge – to design a logo that represents this theme.  It can simply be a picture or a graphic designer on the computer, your choice.   I will accept entries until Thursday,  November 26^th, 2020.  The image should embody the slogan “reading is the root” and needs to be your original design.  One design will be selected from primary and another from intermediate.

Why is reading important? 

People read for many reasons – to learn, to connect to the world around them and because it is fun.

But really, that is not all….

Reading also :

• provides mental stimulation
• reduces stress
• increases your vast knowledge on a variety of topics
• expands your vocabulary
• improves your memory and focus
• helps you become a better writer

Want one more  reason? Ok – how about free entertainment. Step away from your device, computer , television or video games for a little while, crack open a book, and fill yourself up with all the beauty and joy that a good book can offer

THE CONTEST:

Our theme for the Library this year is Reading is the Root.  I love all the imagery this them has to offer.

Your challenge – to design a logo that represents this theme.  It can simply be a picture or a graphic designer on the computer, your choice.   I will accept entries until Thursday,  November 26^th, 2020.  The image should captivate the slogan “reading is the root” and needs to be your original design.  One design will be selected from primary and another from intermediate.

BOOKS BEFORE BEDTIME help the mind relax and decompartmentalize the day….

Many parents read to their children when they are babies and toddlers.   Many studies show that this activity significantly decreases by age 8, when  many school-aged children are able to read on their own .

                              Reading with your child is a special bonding time: do it with them as long as they will let you!

Reading Aloud to your child:

• DEVELOPS your child’s vocabulary
• NURTURES your child’s growing imagination
• SPARKS CONVERSATION: it can help tackle big topics in gentle way

Here are some great books to read aloud:

Ages 3 to 5

Ages 6 to 8

Ages 9 +

What better way to spend a lazy  summer day than by diving into a good book?!

Here are Mme Yio’s summer picks!

The Growing Reader (5-8)

The Middle Grade Reader (9-12)