Snow Day Magazine

Magazines are everywhere. They are a collection of written articles and authentic pictures. Each magazine tells a story and allows society to read about things they love such as fashion or enriches our knowledge with breaking news or upcoming businesses. Brigid, a fellow teacher, decided to create a magazine that allows teachers to sit back and focus on themselves. She ensured that this magazine is only accessible through tangibility, meaning it's only available if you order copies as she feels it's important to step away from a screen and read these magazines with a glass of wine in hand, sitting by the lake at the cottage or simply before bed. 

Snow Day magazine is perfect for working on our mental health, filling our profession with passion and creativity, and ensuring that we are sharing the best version of ourselves to our students and members of the school community. Each month, our commitment and imagination are fuelled in 100 pages. It is filled with resources and stories that support us as teachers and are useful to keep in mind within our classrooms and outside.

 This magazine is a unique yet amazing blend teacher life with all the other beautiful dimensions of our lives.

https://www.snowdaymagazine.com/

Brought to you by: Paola@NU

KIDS, KIDS, KIDS - A Few More Sites for Your Enjoyment and Learning

Primary Games - Absolutely chalk full of games for all ages and any topic a teacher is looking for.  This has to be a stop for you - Go visit: www.primarygames.com

This is everything Seuss ... Go to this site to watch videos, play games, buy books and so much more.  You should visit:  www.seussville.com

If you're looking for things to do with characters from your favourite TV Shows, this is the site for you.  This is a great site for teachers to direct their students, but also a wonderful site for parents to get great tips on parenting ... Don't hesitate, visit: www.pbskids.org

Learning at home?  Try out these lessons full of videos, quizzes, practice activities to help you with home learning.  This site caters to the young ones (Age 3) right up to the teens (16+) - You need to check out this site.  Go to the site at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize

This site is great for pre-school and school age kids ... Lots of things to do and to enjoy.  Parents and teachers should look into this site as well.  Enjoy it and learn .... visit: https://www.tvokids.com/

Courtesy of: Chris@OISE

Box Breathing

A breathing exercise I recently learned about is called Box Breathing. This breathing technique is a great strategy that both adults and students can use. 

Begin this exercise by sitting up straight, this will allow for proper air flow throughout your body and lungs. Next, take a deep breath in. Count to four and exhale through your nose. Repeat this again, ensure to take a big deep breath in and exhale through your nose. Repeat as necessary.

Another reason why I thought this breathing exercise was effective is because there is a video demonstration that individuals can easily follow along with. In this video a speaker guides you throughout the exercise.

This is a guided relaxation pranayama box breathing technique for mindfulness to help you calm down and connect with your inner self. This short meditation will help you in being present to the moment. Breathing in can help to calm you down during times of stress, or just relaxing in your own space.

There is a visual representation of a square that highlights when to inhale, hold and exhale. This can be a great meditation tool for educators to use within the classroom, especially for students who enjoy visuals and auditory.  

See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynhMhp1PoGI

Brought to you by: Daniella@NU

Re-Imagining Education - Where are we going in the 21st Century?

 Sir Ken Robinson speaks ... and we should listen and act!

Internationally recognized educator and creativity expert Robinson inspires us to imagine school systems that can move beyond a narrow focus on academic achievement to actively promote creativity and divergent thinking. 

Presented at the Reimagine Education conference held by the Center for the Transformation of Schools, Nov. 9, 2017. 

Learn more: http://transformschools.ucla.edu

Brought to you by: Brianna@OISE

Differentiated Instruction 101

“Differentiated instruction”—the process of identifying students’ individual learning strengths, needs, and interests and adapting lessons to match them - A helpful video explaining differentiating instruction in simpler terms (with examples)!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7-D3gi2lL8 

When some teachers think of differentiation, they imagine having to create a different lesson for every student in the room. In this video, teacher and author Larry Ferlazzo explains that differentiating instruction is really about getting to know your students and making decisions, often in the moment, based on what they need. He offers some low-lift strategies he’s learned over the years for making activities accessible for students with all types of gifts and challenges. Read more: https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2015/01/28/differentiated-instruction-a-primer.html

Brought to you by: Ema@NU

Tik Tok in the Classroom

Tik Tok in the Classroom

Tik Tok has blown up as one of the most popular social medias during the 2020 Coronavirus Pandemic. It is a Chinese video-sharing social network owned by Byte Dance. The premise is for users to create short music, lip-sync, dance, comedy and talent videos of 3-60 seconds. Now, we have heard of teachers creating professional Twitter accounts to keep their students up to date with tasks, but how could Tik Tok be used in the classroom?

These short videos are the perfect length of time for students to share their understanding of a concept in under 60 seconds. Short and to the point, plus they can edit it after adding fun music and filters to the video. Not only can these allow students to show their knowledge about subjects quickly, it is allowing them to use their own language. Instead of writing a formal essay: This paper will discuss...and how it correlates with...To conclude… YAWN. Yes, this is obviously a practical skill to learn but Tik Tok spices up the learning game.

It has developed a unique language that has become very popular with tweens and teens (and 20-somethings). Personally, I have learned so much just from watching short Tik Tok videos about it. A current favourite is a creator who educates people on the female members of the Royal Families about their world. Tik Tok in the classroom can help create student engagement and meet them where they will want to learn. 

With any social media there are risks which should be cleared by your schools administration and work to make this a safe way for students to become engaged, One idea is to just use the app for the editing purposes and then save on the device and present it to the entire class through a video. As well as, students should be taught to not take every video's information as truth and encourage their own investigation into the topic to fact-check. 

As teachers, we should always strive to present material in a way that students not only learn from but enjoy. Creating short videos can hold students' attention span and force the students to be concise and share only the relevant  information. is meeting students where they are at and can be used to engage students in the content you are teaching.

Check out:  https://nasilemaktech.com/tiktok-teachers-day-tiktokclassroom/ (#TikTok Classroom)

Check out: https://ditchthattextbook.com/create-a-tiktok-style-experience-with-google-slides/ (Using Google Slides to create the TikTok experience)

Brought to you by:  Lauren@NU

More Literacy Sites to Visit

Here are 3 more sites to check out.  They are FUN, INFORMATIVE, and ENTERTAINING

PhotoFunia ... www.photofunia.com

Performing image editing and applying picture effects to any image is a time consuming exercise that is fit only for an avid photoshop user. If you’re looking for a quick and professional picture effects online service, then PhotoFunia is the solution you’ve been looking for.

With PhotoFunia you can edit photos online for free in a matter of seconds resulting in high quality photo collages. Not only you can edit pics online for free you can also have much fun doing so, by sharing them with your family and friends. So what are you waiting for? Start editing pictures online with PhotoFunia for free today.

Guys Read ... http://www.guysread.com/
A web-based literacy program for boys. Their mission is to help boys become self-motivated and  lifelong readers. The site offers a list of books recommended by the webmaster, children's author Jon Sczieska, and other visitors to the website.  

About Stuff
The Story of Stuff ... https://www.storyofstuff.org/

A must-see ... these videos are not just for entertainment, but for educational purposes for teachers and for families alike.  

They can make you think twice about STUFF in your life and how you live and what you can do so that your life is not ruled by all that STUFF!

This is a fantastic website to use.  It just keeps getting better and better all the time.  You can make amazing things happen to plain old pictures. Check it out and keep an eye on the time as you will be doing this stuff for hours and before you know it, it's tomorrow.  Create and re-create for hours of fun and learning!

Jack@TNH

You Need to Be Gritty

Check this out..... Short- yet powerful... Predictor of success? Angela Lee Duckworth tells us "we need to be GRITTY"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H14bBuluwB8

Brought to you by: Cassandra@NU

Pear Deck

Pear Deck is a new way to use devices in a class and prevent students from being distracted by their computers. For example using visuals accessible to each student to explain specific topics in lessons. This way students always have the material attainable and no paper is wasted or used.  For example, the topic of looking at one's own feelings and comparing it to another person's, a teacher can display two sketched people on a page with slightly different shapes for heads. This demonstrates that although we are all human, each individual goes through experiences in a different way and may have opposing thoughts to ours. 

The teacher may ask students to write their opinion about a subject in one of the heads on the paper, and then an opposing opinion or point of view on the other. Instead of viewing information on a black and white sheet of paper with minimal pictures, Pear Deck provides students with animations, gifs and clips that can better capture their understanding on a topic. A code is given to the students where they log in and join a specific class. Small questions can be asked after every few slides where all students can answer individually to indicate how well they were paying attention in class as well as their knowledge on a given subject.

https://www.peardeck.com/

GET STARTED

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Design brilliant lessons with interactive questions, polls, quizzes, formative assessments

Work seamlessly with powerful classroom tools from Google and Microsoft

Control the pace of class and project student answers anonymously

Enable students to join a session anonymously without email login

Keep students in sync with Locks and Timers

Ready-to-teach templates designed by educators

Teach vocabulary with Flashcard Factory*

TRY NOW

Courtesy of Danielle@NU

Here are a few more websites for you and your child to have fun exploring and learning!

www.math.com                      www.nelson.com             www.mathk8.nelson.com

www.webmath.com               www.coolmath.com         www.mathplayground.com

www.coolmath4kids.com      www.numbernut.com      www.Mathtrain.ctv

These math sites noted above are meant for kids to "play", "have fun" and "learn to think, be creative, and solve problems".  Well worth the time. Check them out.

Here (see the link at the bottom) is a list of math websites, apps and games for kids that come highly recommended by teachers or by members of a  Facebook Group (which you can join, if you haven’t yet!). All of the Free Lesson Plans have a math component, but people always ask for more math resources, so this site was put together for you!

The majority of math apps and websites listed are free, however, some of them are only free during the current Coronavirus / COVID-19 period. So to make it easy to differentiate, anything marked with an asterisk (*) either costs money now or will cost money at some point in the future. 

https://parentvault.com/best-math-websites-apps-for-kids-teacher-recommended/

Brought to you by Leo@TNH

The Google Teacher Podcast

In today's global context, virtual education can feel daunting, inconsistent, and difficult for facilitators and students to navigate. Knowing what is possible through real-time connections, in-person instruction, and in the physical classroom, how can teachers engage their students in the same way? It is important to consider the multitude of available resources for facilitating through a virtual and online platform, like Google Suite. However, many teachers have not utilized the appropriate practices or resources to prepare them for today's source of virtual facilitation.  So, where can they find support?

The Google Teacher Podcast, with hosts Matt Miller and Kasey Bell, embrace the concept of virtual education with open arms. The podcast is designed to give K-12 educators practical ideas, thought-starters, guidance, and recommendations for using Google tools in their classrooms and schools. Through a diverse range of topics, Miller and Bell dive into rich conversations to make virtual learning more attractive and less intimidating. With over 50+ episodes, Miller and Bell take listeners through a variety of topics including "using Google Earth," "using Google Meet," "using Google Forms," and "using Google Tech remotely." 

Each podcast is delivered by Miller and Bell, and influential guest educators to provide relevant tips, tricks, and skills to facilitate seamless Google Meet experiences. For the teachers that are hesitant with technology, want to elevate the virtual learning environment, or curious to know more about Google Suite, this podcast is for you! 

https://googleteacherpodcast.com 

Raquel@NU

Children’s Story Books Online

 Here are more ebooks and online reading ... More books, more fun, more learning (shhh, don't say this too loud). Some books you just read by yourself while others have accompanying audio. Fabulous illustrated stories for kids or all ages, especially for primary kids and the young at heart.

For more info and see the site for yourself, go to: http://www.magickeys.com/books/

Brought to you by Craig@OISE

How to copy a Canvas course (For Staff Use)

Courtesy of CJM@NU

Anxiety

Anxiety is something that can start at any age, as adults it's easier to see the signs of anxiety then they are in children. We may think of a child as being scared of being alone, or attached to a parent as something that their child does because they are little but can actually be separation anxiety. We often forget that children experience so many new things on a daily basis and for some children it can become too much for them to handle.

In this video children explain how they feel when they are anxious, and you may realize that when children say they have butterflies in their tummy that may be an indication that they are anxious.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvJFeI6zjH4

What we need to understand is that children do not know what anxiety is so it's important as adults to look out for indication. Sometimes when children explain things to us we ignore them thinking they will grow out of it or they will forget and move on. As explained by the clinical psychologist in the video, it is much easier to help children with anxiety then it is adults.

As we get older the anxiety worsens and then roots become stronger. As a child we can pinpoint where their anxiety is coming from and as an adult the root problem gets tangled up with many other issues. It becomes difficult to pinpoint the exact root of the anxiety.

This is why as educators and parents it's important to address these issues at a younger age instead of waiting to see it will get better on their own and instead worsen.

Brought to you by: Gurleen@NU

Cool Math 4 Kids

Cool Math 4 Kids

Creating an engaging virtual classroom can be a challenge, especially for young learners. One way to keep virtual learning exciting is to incorporate educational online games to encourage students to continue their studies even after class ends. Resources on the site include lessons, quizzes, manipulatives, brain teasers and much more! The most exciting resource available is their video games. These span important math concepts including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and fractions. Introducing your students to Cool Math 4 Kids may be the tool they need to have fun in math class! 

In Canoe Puppies, four canoes with two puppies each have a race to see who can cross the finish line first. Seems simple, but here's the connection: the canoe will only move forward when an addition question is answered correctly! These include both two and three digit addition problems. This will encourage students to use quick mental math to win the race and will help them study in an exciting way! There are many fun and engaging games on this site, and I encourage all educators to incorporate it into their math classes. Let's make math fun!  

CoolMath4Kids can be found at the following link: https://www.coolmath4kids.com.

Brought to you by Alyssa@NU

Resources for Active and Engaged Learners!

This week's learning key was "starting place" and allowed me to begin reflecting on ways that as a teacher candidate, I can create my own "starting place" in the classroom. Teachers strive towards meeting the needs of each individual in the classroom and creating a safe and inclusive space for them. Through differentiating instruction, it can create an overwhelming feeling, as they want to ensure that they are doing so effectively, for each child.

 In my past experiences working with children, there have been many resources that teachers have used to support children through reading, writing or other subjects. Recently, throughout my courses, I have been reflecting on other resources that are intended to support children's learning through various subjects. They are Reading Rockets and ABCYA. Both of these resources list grades from K+ and different subjects. They are not only in place for reading strategies and tools for children but provide them with games and apps too. This is more intriguing to students, as they want to be engaged in their learning process. By doing so in different ways, sustains children's attention in their classrooms and wants to intrigue further. 

Children are curious at an early age and want to learn in different ways, that are new, inquire about their thinking and are hands-on. Children are visual learners, so incorporating these into the classrooms creates an inclusive workspace that meets the needs of all individuals and challenges their thinking. So, as a teacher candidate, it is crucial to educate your children with resources and support. By providing them with these new strategies, this can be your "starting point" in teaching children, throughout their learning journey.

 

www.readingrockets.org

www.abcya.com

 

Sofia @NU

Khan Academy

In our current, uncertain world, teachers are increasingly being called upon to be adaptive and versatile when delivering lessons and content to their students. Throughout the Spring semester in Ontario schools, teachers were delivering lessons, content and performing assessments via online platforms. Now, in the Fall, school boards across the province have implemented online learning as a choice for pursuing education during COVID.

Khan Academy is a philanthropically supported, free learning resource tool that allows teachers to set up a digital classroom, permitting them to assign courses and curriculum content. On Khan Academy, students can view videos that reinforce curriculum content assigned by their teachers, encouraging them to pursue more independent learning. This simultaneously builds responsibilities as students are asked to meet deadlines for assignments, attend online tests, and show up for lessons. For teachers, you can track student progress easily and see how they are completing tasks, and more importantly, track exactly where students are struggling and where they may require more revisiting of materials.

Khan Academy is a useful application for educators to engage their students at a distance. I myself was recommended this program by a teacher that used it in the spring.

Giordano@NU

Let Your Brain Have Some Fun

FunBrain 

You need to visit:  http://www.funbrain.com/

This is just that, Fun for your brain! And these "games" are not just for the little kids. This site includes fun engaging activities that even an eighth grader would like ... okay, I even had some fun on this site! 

Funbrain offers more than 100 fun, interactive games that develop skills in math, reading, and literacy. There are also video games to help the reluctant learner get through math concepts without even knowing you're actually doing work - shhh, don't tell them.  You can select games, video and books by grade as well.

As an added attraction, kids can read a variety of popular books and comics on the site, including Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and Amelia.

Courtesy of Danielle@OISE

Math: Is it really that scary?

Why do people get so anxious about math?

 

Imagine you are sitting in the middle of math class: you feel your heart racing, your palms get sweaty, you count down the minutes until the next lesson just so it can be over. For many students, the subject of math creates so much internal anxiety that it becomes hard to focus, allowing for discouraging thoughts in your head about being able to succeed in math. Math anxiety can happen to anyone, in fact, researchers think about 20% of the population suffers from it! But why is it that people get so anxious about math, and can it be fixed? 

Having math anxiety doesn't mean you're bad at math - people are not anxious about math because they're bad at it, in reality they are doing poorly in math because they are anxious about it.  Insecurity, self-doubt, and stress are all factors contributing to math anxiety. A lot of this anxiety can be a result of preconceived notions about math - whether that is parents explicitly voicing that math is their least favourite subject, or teachers having anxiety about teaching math because it isn't their "strong subject", or parents putting pressure on their kids with the idea that being good at math means that you are smart - all of these are factors that can cause immense anxiety about math.

How can we fix our mentality?

Mindfulness activities such as breathing exercises before a math lesson or test can help students remain calm before jumping into the subject. This has the potential to prevent any panicking or stress when it comes to math. Having students write down their worries about math could also help - this would provide a good indication for the teacher of where the student might need help or extra clarity on a lesson. Physical activity, such as stretching or a quick walk, can relieve stress and tension in the mind, allowing students to start fresh with a clear mind before jumping back into the lesson. Maintaining a growth mindset will also alleviate math anxiety. If students are aware that learning isn't fixed, and their potential to learn and understand math can and will develop, they will gain more confidence in their ability to learn and be more willing to enjoy math. Importantly, give children the time and space to work through their answers - they will naturally feel less stress if they are able to work at their own pace. Furthermore, as a teacher become confident in math skills in order to encourage your students to be confident. 

Math anxiety is not something that reflects your ability, but it is something you can conquer with time and awareness. 

Go to: https://ed.ted.com/lessons/why-do-people-get-so-anxious-about-math-orly-rubinsten

Caitlin@NU

Learning English? Try English-Guide

English-Guide.org

Your guide in the world of resources for learning English – thousands of games for kids to play and learn English along the way.  Many, many topics and units.  Great for teacher and parents to access.  

From this site you will launch to thousands of other sites either by topic or grade.  Fantastic site to learn English or just expand your knowledge on various topics! 

Check it out at: https://www.english-guide.org/node/3293

Courtesy of Brett@TNH

Mental Health Practices

In today's day in age, we are becoming increasingly more aware of the presence of mental illness in children. As teacher's, it is crucial to be educated on the signs of a child living with a mental illness as well as any signs a student may be going through a tough time. Upon noticing these signs, now what? How can we, as teachers, make a difference without singling anyone out? The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) suggests a number of possible tools; one being yoga!

Yoga can be used at the start of the school day to begin with a clear mind and promote physical health as well. Yoga is a type of exercise that uses stretching and measured breathing which can be beneficial to those going through a tough time because it allows students to focus on their breathing and use mindful meditation as a calming mechanism.

Here are some additional resources for educators:

Kids Help Phone
1-800 668-6868
http://www.kidshelpphone.ca

Ontario Ministry of Education
Healthy Schools
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/healthyschools/links.html

Links to a wide range of information to help make Ontario's schools healthier places for students to learn and grow ... https://ontario.cmha.ca/documents/mental-health-resources-in-schools/

Courtesy of Alanah@NU

Teaching Children to Read

Literactive – Teaching Children to Read ... http://www.literactive.com/Home/index.asp

Literactive is one of the leading providers of reading material for pre-school, kindergarten and grade 1 students available online. The program is comprised of carefully levelled guided readers, comprehensive phonic activities and a wealth of supplemental reading material which gradually develop a child's reading skills in a sequential and enjoyable manner. 

All the material is available for free from this site but you need to register. You can select activities focusing on ... PHONICS, GUIDED READING, READING SKILLS ACTIVITIES, E-POETRY, E-PICTURE BOOKS (independent reading), BLMs to download and even ESL (Spanish). Teachers can use the site in the classroom and even provide link to parents.

This is a wonderful site and easy to use - Have fun teaching children to read.

Brought to you by TP@OISE

Technology in the Classroom

With today's forever changing world, it is clear students will have technology with them at all times. I believe we should use their interest in technology to help motivate them to learn new things. There are so many resources today that can aid teachers in incorporating technology into their classroom. We can get students participating while testing their knowledge in a subject in an informal way. These resources can also be helpful if we need to adjust to online learning platform again.

Some great online sites to use are: Kahoot, Jamboard, and Mentimeter

Kahoot:
Teachers can set up an online quiz to help test students knowledge in a fun interactive way. Students will get a code or QR code to access the quiz. They will create a user name and will be scored on their correct answers.

Jamboard:
This is essentially a large online whiteboard where students can contribute their thoughts. You can create a question and post it in the centre of the board. Students can post "stickers" or blurbs of their responses.

Mentimeter:
 Allows students to contribute to a word cloud. Teachers will ask a question and set an amount of responses allowed to answer their question.  Once the presentation is made, teachers will be given a code and a QR code that will allow access to their mentimeter presentation.  Here is an example of a mentimeter I created:

Links to these resources:
https://www.mentimeter.com/
https://edu.google.com/products/jamboard/?modal_active=none
https://kahoot.it/

Gabriella P@NU

Importance of First Day Icebreakers

The first day of school can be never racking for all, students and teachers. It is important for teachers to create a relationship with their students, set the tone for the classroom atmosphere and have the students get to know each other. Icebreaker activities can be a great way to do this on the first day of school.

This or That: 

This icebreaker is a fun and simple way to get to know the students and for them to get to know each other. Have the students line up in a straight line, ensuring there is enough space on each side for them to move. You can place a marker line on the floor if this helps. The teacher will stand at the front of the line where all the students can see them. The teacher will announce two options and point to which side of the line the students should stand for each option. For example vanilla (teacher points to the right side) or chocolate (teacher points to the left side) ice cream. If the students like vanilla more they step to right and if they like chocolate they step to left. If the students are undecided they can remain in the middle. Give the students a few seconds after everyone has moved to see who else has chosen the same or different answer as them. Have the students return to the line and start again. This activity allows students to quickly and easily see what they have in common with other students. This activity can also be modified easily and used in a wide variety of grades. 

Benefits of Icebreakers on the first day of school: 

• The teacher gets to know the students

• The students get to know each other 

• Allows for new students to get to know the class 

• Can be used to set the tone of the classroom

• Builds the relationship between you and the students

Find More Ice breakers Here!

20 first day of school icebreakers:

https://www.merakilane.com/getting-to-know-each-other-20-first-day-of-school-icebreakers-for-kids/ 

First-day Icebreakers for elementary school: 

https://www.thoughtco.com/ice-breakers-for-first-day-of-elementary-school-2081870#:~:text=%20Ice%20Breakers%20for%20the%20First%20Day%20of,about%20your%20students.%20Write%20them%20on...%20More%20 

Kindergarten Specific Icebreakers 

https://www.theprintableprincess.com/12-ice-breaker-games-for-kindergarten/  

Alexandra@NU