Tag: Critical Thinking

Measurement

Listed below are selected teacher resources, picture books, and non-fiction related to measurement.

Teacher Resources

Putting essential understanding of geometry and measurement into practice in grades 3-5

by Kathryn B. Chval et al.

Grades: 3-5

This book focuses on the specialized pedagogical content knowledge that teachers need to teach geometry and measurement effectively in grades 3-5. The authors demonstrate how to use this multifaceted knowledge to address the big ideas and essential understandings that students must develop for success with geometry and measurement–not only in their current work, but also in higher-level mathematics and a myriad of real-world contexts.

Jumpstart! Maths: Maths activities and games for ages 5-14

by John Taylor

Grades: K-8

The author presents a collection of simple-to-use, multi-sensory games and activities which will jumpstart students’ understanding of mathematics in action. It will help students to explore and learn math both through technology and without, in an atmosphere of fun, mutual support and tolerance. Topics include number and place value, fractions, ratios, algebra, measurement, geometry, and more. (E-book only)

A pleasure to measure: Tasks for teaching measurement in the elementary grades

by Jeffrey Barrett et al.

Grades: K-5

With individual chapters for kindergarten through grade 5, this book includes 65 classroom-ready activities on measurement, along with a summary of learning goals, connections to children’s literature, and ideas for extending beyond the activities. In each chapter, the authors provide a collection of activities, a summary of level-specific measurement goals and learning trajectory stages, and a table that matches activities with learning stages.

Sizing up measurement: activities for grades 3-5 classrooms

by Chris Confer

Grades: 3-5

This book shares lessons that focus on essential measurement concepts in relation to problem-solving concepts. The lessons help students know what it means to measure, identify what they’re measuring and what units to use, estimate results, choose suitable tools, and keep track of their results in an organized way.

Mathematical art-o-facts: Activities to introduce, reinforce, or assess geometry & measurement skills

by Catherine Jones Kuhns

Grades: 3-6

Are these art projects or are they math activities? The answer is yes! Teachers can use these lessons to introduce, reinforce, or assess specific measurement and geometry skills. None requires lots of special materials, and all can be used to supplement your existing curriculum. These clever ideas promote mathematical thinking and creativity through problem-solving. Includes full-color photos and reproducibles.

Patterns and parkas: Investigating geometric principles, shapes, patterns, and measurement

by Sandi Pendergrast et al.

Grades: 2

Grade two students learn about the properties of shapes including squares, rectangles, triangles, and parallelograms. They learn a variety of ways to make those shapes and how Yup’ik elders use these shapes to create patterns. As the students make shapes, they learn about geometrical relationships, symmetry, congruence, proofs and measuring. Part of the Math in a cultural context series.

Picture Books

Sizing up winter

written by Lizann Flatt, illustrated by Ashley Barron

What if animals and plants knew math, just like us? Would snowflakes all fall from the same height in the sky? Would otters spread themselves evenly across lakes? Would groundhogs be aware of the date? In this wintry picture book, nature comes to life to help children grasp concepts of time and measurement.

If you were a pound or a kilogram

written by Marcie Aboff, illustrated by Francesca Carabelli

If you were a pound or a kilogram, you would be the mass of things. You could be a sack of sugar, a basket of berries, or a heavy-duty truck. What else could you be if you were a pound or a kilogram? Part of the Math fun series.

Millions to measure

written by David M. Schwartz, illustrated by Steven Kellogg

Marvelosissimo the Magician is ready to explore length, weight, and volume measurements. How tall is Moonbeam, the unicorn? How long are Jello the cat’s whiskers? Tons and ounces and feet and miles … with millions of things to measure, wouldn’t one standard system be simpler? With another wave of the wand, Marvelosissimo introduces the world of metrics and makes it easy to understand the basic pattern of meters, liters, and grams.

Zachary Zormer, shape transformer: A math adventure

written by Joanne Reisberg, illustrated by David Hohn

Friday is Zachary Zormer’s favorite day of the week. At least it is until he realizes he forgot this week’s assignment: “Bring in something fun to measure.” What can Zack do when all he has to work with is a piece of paper he finds in his pocket? Week after week Zack takes on a different math concept with surprising projects including a mobius strip, a paper frame large enough to step through, and a light show that demonstrates how the sun heats the earth.

Magnus Maximus, a marvelous measurer

written by Kathleen T. Pelley, illustrated by S. D. Schindler

Magnus Maximus is a marvelous measurer. He measures wetness and dryness, nearness and farness, and everything in between. When a lion escapes from a traveling circus, Magnus and his trusty measuring tape come to the rescue. Now a hero, all is well until the day Magnus accidentally breaks his glasses, and he sees—for the first time—that he’s been missing out on life’s simple pleasures.

Chickens on the move

written by Pam Pollack and Meg Belviso, illustrated by Lynn Adams

Grandpa has a surprise for Tim, Anne, and Gordon – chickens! Now, where should they put the chickens and their new home? Each time they move the fence, the coop becomes a different shape, but the perimeter stays the same. Can they figure it out? Part of the Math matters series.

Non-Fiction

Measure it!

by Crystal Sikkens

Grades: K-3

This book explains how scientists around the world use the metric system and related tools to help them compare, contrast, and analyze the measurement data they collect. The author gives opportunities for hands-on learning to help students refine their measuring skills. Part of the Science sleuths series.

Measurement

by Penny Dowdy

Grades: K-3

This book offers young reader a clear insight into understanding length, weight, capacity, and temperature. It gives a easy-to-understand approach to measuring with non-standard, customary, and metric systems. Part of the My path to math series.

How do we measure matter?

by Lynn Peppas

Grades: K-3

Young readers learn to identify different tools used to measure matter, such as balances, rulers, and thermometers. Also helps readers gain hands-on experience measuring, collecting and recording data, and graphing their results.

Why pi?

by Johnny Ball

Grades: 3-5

Focusing on how people from ancient Egyptians to modern scientists have used numbers to measure things through the ages, this book makes math interesting and is filled with games, puzzles, brainteasers, and fun facts.

Finding More Resources

To find more resources in this area, try the following:

Search using the General tab on the UBC Library website to look for material in all UBC Library branches.
Search using “Search Education Resources” box in the left hand bar on the Education Library website to limit your results to materials in the Education Library.
Use specific search terms to narrow your results, such as “measurement”, “measurement – juvenile literature”, or “mathematics – study and teaching”.
To find lesson plans, include “lesson plans”, “lesson planning”, or “activity programs” in your search terms.

For more help with searching, please visit the Library Service Desk or e-mail ed.lib@ubc.ca.

Tags Critical Thinking, Mathematics, Measurement

Mathematics

Geometry and Spatial Sense

Post author By Education Librarian
Post date March 19, 2019
No Comments on Geometry and Spatial Sense

Listed below are selected teacher resources, picture books, fiction, and non-fiction related to geometry and spatial sense.

Teacher Resources

Taking shape: activities to develop geometric and spatial thinking. Grades K-2

by Joan Moss et al.

Grades: K-2

The authors begin by presenting background and research on why spatial reasoning matters in the early years, and a review of spatial reasoning concepts and processes. They then share activities on symmetry; composing, decomposing, and transforming two- and three-dimensional shapes and objects; locating, orienting, mapping, and coding; and perspective taking.

Putting essential understanding of geometry and measurement into practice in grades 3-5

by Kathryn B. Chval et al.

Grades: 3-5

Math for real life: Teaching practical uses for algebra, geometry and trigonometry

by Jim Libby

Grades: 7-12

This book presents hundreds of practical applications for mathematics—from baseball statistics to the theory of relativity—that can be understood by anyone with a knowledge of high school algebra, geometry and trigonometry. It will help teachers to answer the inevitable question “When are we ever going to use this?”

Understanding geometry for a changing world

edited by Timothy V. Craine

Grades: K-12

Articles in this yearbook examine expanding visions of geometry, the latest thinking about the development of students’ geometric learning and new perspectives on effective practices for teaching geometry in elementary through high school.

Jumpstart! Maths: Maths activities and games for ages 5-14

by John Taylor

Grades: K-8

Patterns and parkas: Investigating geometric principles, shapes, patterns, and measurement

by Sandi Pendergrast et al.

Grades: 2

Geometry as objective science in elementary school classrooms: Mathematics in the flesh

by Wolff-Michael Roth

Grades: K-6

This study examines the origins of geometry in and out of the intuitively given everyday lifeworlds of children in a second-grade mathematics class. The author explains how geometry, an objective science, arises anew from the pre-scientific but nevertheless methodic actions of children in a structured world. (E-book only)

The learning and teaching of geometry in secondary schools: A modeling perspective

by Patricio Herbst et al.

Grades: 9-12

This book reviews past and present research on the teaching and learning of geometry in secondary schools and proposes an approach for design research on secondary geometry instruction. Areas covered include the representations of geometric figures; students’ cognition in geometry; and teaching strategies, instructional improvement, and classroom interventions. (E-book only)

Fostering geometric thinking: A guide for teachers, grades 5-10

by Mark Driscoll et al.

Grades: 5-10

This book presents research-based ways to improve how students conceptualize and apply geometric ideas. The authors share practical ideas for helping students cultivate geometric habits of mind that lead to success in this subject. The book focuses on rigorous, problem-based teaching that encourages students to deepen their thinking in three key geometric strands: geometric properties, geometric transformations, and measurement of geometric objects.

Picture Books

Shaping up summer

written by Lizann Flatt, illustrated by Ashley Barron

What if animals and plants knew math, just like us? Would spiders draw pictures in their webs? Would narwhals sort blocks of ice by shape? Would insects know what’s above and what’s below? In this book, nature comes to life to help children grasp concepts of geometry, symmetry, and spatial sense.

If you were a quadrilateral

written by Molly Blaisdell, illustrated by Francesca Carabelli

What could you do if you were a quadrilateral? You could have four straight sides. You could be a checkerboard, a kite, or a yoga mat. What else could you be if you were a quadrilateral? Part of the Math fun series.

What’s your angle, Pythagoras? A math adventure

written by Julie Ellis, illustrated by Phyllis Hornung

Young Pythagoras can’t seem to stay out of trouble. Every time he tries to help, people get angry. What’s a curious kid to do? On a trip to Egypt, Pythagoras’s curiosity helps him discover the secret of the right triangle.

Sir Cumference and the great knight of Angleland: A math adventure

written by Cindy Neuschwander, illustrated by Wayne Geehan

To earn his knighthood, Radius must find and rescue a missing king. His father, Sir Cumference, and his mother, Lady Di of Ameter, give him a circular medallion (a protractor) that he uses to find his way through a maze of many angles.

Circles, stars, and squares: Looking for shapes

by Jane Brocket

Through vivid photographs, young readers can explore the difference between flat and solid shapes, and identify objects with these different shapes, including rectangular bricks and cube-shaped candies.

Starring shapes!

by Tania Howells

Shapes play supporting roles in the world around us, but which one will be the star of Shapeston Elementary School’s play? Triangle has experience as a traffic sign, and Square moonlights as a postage stamp. Circle has been a lemon slice, Rectangle the cover of a magazine and Diamond a kite, while Oval has played a surfboard. Who gets the big role?

Non-Fiction

Symmetry

by Lynn Peppas

Grades: K-3

Familiar two- and three-dimensional geometric shapes from home and school are used to introduce children to symmetry and asymmetry, lines of symmetry, and congruence. Part of the My path to math series.

Geometry

by Penny Dowdy

Grades: K-3

This book offers the young reader a clear insight into understanding geometry. Colorful photographs show the reader how they can understand the properties and relations of points, lines, surfaces, solids, and higher dimensional analogs. Part of the My path to math series.

What shape is it?

by Bobbie Kalman

Grades: K-3

Almost every shape can be found in nature. The sun, moon, and Earth are circles and spheres. The wings of butterflies contain triangles, the cells of honeybees are hexagons, and the hood of the hooded mantis has a diamond shape. This book explains both flat shapes and 3-D shapes and shows examples of them all.

Shapes in math, science and nature: Squares, triangles and circles

written by Catherine Sheldrick Ross, illustrated by Bill Slavin

Grades: 4-7

The three most basic shapes — squares, triangles and circles — are all around us, from the natural world to the one we’ve engineered. Full of fascinating facts about these shapes and their 3D counterparts, as well as puzzles and activities, this book introduces young readers to the basics of geometry and reveals its applications at home, school and everywhere in between.

Finding More Resources

To find more resources in this area, try the following:

Search using the General tab on the UBC Library website to look for material in all UBC Library branches.
Search using “Search Education Resources” box in the left hand bar on the Education Library website to limit your results to materials in the Education Library.
Use specific search terms to narrow your results, such as “mathematics – study and teaching”, “mathematical ability – testing”, “geometry – study and teaching”, “trigonometry – study and teaching”, or “shapes – juvenile literature”.
To find lesson plans, include “lesson plans”, “lesson planning”, or “activity programs” in your search terms.

For more help with searching, please visit the Library Service Desk or e-mail ed.lib@ubc.ca.

Tags Critical Thinking, Geometry, Mathematics, Spatial Sense, Trigonometry

Mathematics

Financial Literacy

Listed below are selected teacher resources, picture books, and non-fiction related to financial literacy.

Teacher Resources

Fun with finance: Math + literacy = success

by Carol Peterson

Grades: K-6

This book focuses on a range of topics, from currency and the global economy, to business entities, savings, credit, real estate investments, the markets, budgeting, and goal planning. Each chapter offers grade-appropriate lessons, with a readers theatre script, glossary, cross-curricular activities, a list of Web sites, and even a board game, to make learning a genuinely successful enterprise.

Financial literacy education: Addressing student, business, and government needs

by Jay Liebowitz

Grades: K-12

Faced with an array of complex financial services and sophisticated products, many people lack the knowledge and skills to make rational, informed decisions on the use of their money and planning for future events, such as retirement. This book shows what teachers can do to improve financial literacy awareness and education, including the use of interactive games and tutorials, peer-to-peer mentoring, and financial literacy contests in addition to more formal education. (E-book only)

Extreme economics: Teaching children and teenagers about money

by Keen J. Babbage

Grades: K-12

What should children and teenagers know about personal finance? How can sound financial principles and money management be taught to these students? The author identifies, through current research, what children and teenagers need to know about managing funds. It shows educators how to design instructional activities that enable students to learn about money management in fascinating and meaningful ways.

Using deliberative techniques to teach financial literacy

by Nancy Claxton

Grades: 9-12

This book is written for teachers who want to bring innovation and participatory teaching techniques into their classroom. Using the methodologies of debate, role plays, simulations, and presentations, teachers can teach essential financial literacy objectives to secondary level students. Topics include basic principles of money management, credit and debt management, risk management, and more.

Picture Books

Lemonade in winter: A book about two kids counting money

written by Emily Jenkins, illustrated by G. Brian Karas

A lemonade stand in winter? Yes, that’s exactly what Pauline and John-John intend to have, selling lemonade and limeade–and also lemon-limeade. With a catchy refrain (Lemon lemon LIME, Lemon LIMEADE! Lemon lemon LIME, Lemon LEMONADE!), they try to attract customers as Pauline adds up their earnings.

A chair for my mother

by Vera B. Williams

A child, her waitress mother, and her grandmother save dimes to buy a comfortable armchair after all their furniture is lost in a fire.

Non-Fiction

Learning about earning

by Rachel Eagan

Grades: K-3

Young readers will learn about how money is earned and the nature of goods and services in this book. Real-world examples and scenarios help readers better understand the role of work, the concept of earning a salary or wage, and the roles of producers and consumers.

Money

by Penny Dowdy

Grades: K-3

This book introduces young readers to the concepts of currency, the value of unique coins and bills, and counting money. Part of the My path to math series.

Why does money matter?

by Rachel Eagan

Grades: K-3

This book explores the role of money in the lives of people around the world, including its necessity for meeting basic needs. Through authentic examples and engaging scenarios, young readers will learn that money, when used wisely, can be an instrument of good in the world. Part of the Money sense: an introduction to financial literacy series.

What is money?

by Rebecca Rissman

Grades: K-3

Children learn about what money is, how it is used, and why it is important. Part of the Money around the world series.

Follow your money

written by Kevin Sylvester and Michael Hlinka, illustrated by Kevin Sylvester

Grades: 4-7

When you pay for that cool pair of shoes or a tasty snack, what happens to that money once it leaves your hands? Who actually pockets it or puts it into the bank? Discover the trail your money takes as it goes to pay for everything including the raw materials used to make a product, the workers who produce it, and the advertisers who promote it.

Money: Deal with it or pay the price

written by Kat Mototsune, illustrated by Remie Geoffroi

Grades: 4-7

Money can’t buy happiness, but it can lead to all sorts of trouble at home, school, work, and among friends. This book looks at the way we value, display, and covet wealth and will help kids make change when costly conflicts arise. Part of the Deal with it series.

Getting your money’s worth: Making smart financial choices

by Diane Dakers

Grades: 5-8

This book helps young readers build the skills to make smart choices when spending and saving their money. Realistic examples provide an understanding of the outcomes of spending using different means such as cash or credit. Readers will learn about the benefits of saving money, the various ways to do it, and how a bank manages money. Essential concepts such as credit reports and cost of living are introduced. Part of the Financial literacy for life series.

The secret life of money: A kid’s guide to cash

written by Kira Vermond, illustrated by Clayton Hamner

Grades: 5-9

This book uses anecdotes, comics, and surprising everyday connections to help young readers see and understand cash from an entirely different angle. From the history of different currencies to why we buy what we buy, from how charities and credit cards work to saving and investing, readers will gain not only an appreciation for the many ways that money changes and influences their lives, but also an understanding of the control they have over it.

Centsibility: The Planet Girl guide to money

written by Stacey Roderick and Ellen Warwick, illustrated by Monika Melnychuk

Grades: 5-9

Today’s girl is no fool: she knows money can’t buy happiness. But if she wants on the bus, or a snack when she’s out, she needs some cash flow. This book gives practical advice on a range of topics relating to money: tips on jobs, saving, debt, spending and budgeting, how to become an entrepreneur, what to scrimp on (and what not to), and more.

How to money : your ultimate visual guide to the basics of finance

written by Jean Chatzky, Kathryn Tuggle, and the HerMoney Team; illustrated by Nina Cosford

Grades: 9-12

There’s no getting around it. You need to know how to manage money to know how to manage life ― but most of us don’t! This full-color, illustrated guidebook from New York Times bestselling author and financial expert Jean Chatzky, Kathryn Tuggle, and their team at HerMoney breaks down the basics of money―how to earn it, manage it, and use it―giving you all the tools you need to take charge and be fearless with personal finance.

Finding More Resources

To find more resources in this area, try the following:

Search using the General tab on the UBC Library website to look for material in all UBC Library branches.
Search using “Search Education Resources” box in the left hand bar on the Education Library website to limit your results to materials in the Education Library.
Use specific search terms to narrow your results, such as “financial literacy–juvenile literature”, “finance, personal–study and teaching”, or “money–juvenile literature”.
To find lesson plans, include “lesson plans”, “lesson planning”, or “activity programs” in your search terms.

For more help with searching, please visit the Library Service Desk or e-mail ed.lib@ubc.ca.

Tags Critical Thinking, Financial Literacy, Mathematics

Mathematics

Data Management and Probability

Post author By Education Librarian
Post date March 19, 2019
No Comments on Data Management and Probability

Listed below are selected teacher resources, picture books, and non-fiction related to data management and probability.

Teacher Resources

Picking berries: Connections between data collection, graphing, and measuring

by Jerry Lipka et al.

Grades: 2-3

In this module, students engage in a series of hands-on activities that help them explore data, graphic representation and linear measuring. Students gather data related to the berry harvest to build and analyze tables and graphs, and they learn to read thermometers and measure the length of their shadows. The culture and math of this module connect through an engaging story of a family gathering berries at the end of summer. Part of the Math in a cultural context series.

Salmon fishing: Investigations into probability

by Aishath Shehenaz Adam et al.

Grades: 6-7

Students use activities based on subsistence and commercial fishing in southwest Alaska to investigate various topics related to probability, such as experimental and theoretical probability, the law of large numbers, sample space and equally and unequally likely events. The module consists of nine activities, with each activity including an introduction, goals, materials used, preparation needed before class, vocabulary and instructions. Part of the Math in a cultural context series.

Focus in high school mathematics: Reasoning and sense making in statistics and probability

by Michael Shaughnessy et al.

Grades: 9-12

Reasoning about and making sense of statistics and probability are essential to students’ future success. This books presents six investigations to illustrate how to help high school students develop their skills in working with data. The investigations emphasize the roles of reasoning and sense making in defining a statistical question and collecting, analyzing and interpreting data to answer it.

Exploring probability in school: Challenges for teaching and learning

edited by Graham A. Jones

Grades: K-12

This book provides a new perspective into research on the teaching and learning of probability by recognizing and analyzing the special challenges faced by teachers and learners in contemporary classrooms. The chapters discuss the nature of probability, look at the meaning of probabilistic literacy, and examine student access to powerful ideas in probability during the elementary, middle, and high school years. (E-book only)

Picture Books

Sorting through spring

written by Lizann Flatt, illustrated by Ashley Barron

What if animals and plants knew math, just like us? Would flowers bloom in patterns? Would raindrops fall in rhythm? Would birds balance evenly on branches? In this book, nature comes to life to help children grasp concepts of patterning, sorting, data management, and probability.

Probably pistachio

written by Stuart J. Murphy, illustrated by Marsha Winborn

Nothing goes right for Jack all day long. He can’t find his favorite sneakers, he spills milk on his math homework, and worst of all, he gets tuna fish for lunch. Maybe, just maybe, pistachio ice cream for dessert will do the trick. But how likely is it to happen?

It’s probably Penny

by Loreen Leedy

Lisa’s class is learning about probability. For part of her homework, she has to think of an event that will happen, one that might happen, and one that can’t happen. Who is that Boston terrier that keeps popping into Lisa’s imagination? It’s probably Penny!

A very improbable story

written by Edward Einhorn, illustrated by Adam Gustavson

Ethan wakes up one morning to find a cat stuck on his head. The cat, Odds, won’t budge until Ethan wins a game of probability. Without looking, Ethan must pick out a dime from his coin collection or two matching socks from his dresser, or do something else improbable. If he doesn’t, Odds is there to stay, and Ethan has a 100% chance of missing his big soccer game.

Pigs at odds: Fun with math and games

written by Amy Axelrod, illustrated by Sharon McGinley-Nally

While trying their luck at various games at the county fair, members of the Pig family find out what the odds are that they will go home as winners. No matter how many times Mr. Pig tries to win, the odds seem to be against him. Will his luck ever change?

Lines, bars and circles: How William Playfair invented graphs

written by Helaine Becker, illustrated by Marie-Ève Tremblay

Born in Scotland more than 250 years ago, William Playfair saw the world differently from other people. While writing a book about economics, Will’s innovative vision inspired an idea that would set him apart: he created the first modern line graph. Next came a bar graph and later a pie chart. These infographic inventions provided a way for numbers to be seen as pictures, and changed the way the world would interact with data forever.

Non-Fiction

Collecting data

by Lizann Flett

Grades: 1-3

With fun and engaging activities, this book outlines the steps to properly gathering and organizing data, which include observation, assessing the reliability of sources, and critically assessing data in order to draw reliable conclusions. Part of the Get graphing! Building data literacy skills series.

Finding More Resources

To find more resources in this area, try the following:

Search using the General tab on the UBC Library website to look for material in all UBC Library branches.
Search using “Search Education Resources” box in the left hand bar on the Education Library website to limit your results to materials in the Education Library.
Use specific search terms to narrow your results, such as “mathematics–juvenile literature”, “probabilities–study and teaching”, “probabilities–juvenile literature” or “mathematical statistics–study and teaching”.
To find lesson plans, include “lesson plans”, “lesson planning”, or “activity programs” in your search terms.

For more help with searching, please visit the Library Service Desk or e-mail ed.lib@ubc.ca.

Tags Critical Thinking, Data Management, Mathematics, Probability

Social Studies

Media Literacy and Media Studies

Post author By Education Librarian
Post date March 19, 2019
No Comments on Media Literacy and Media Studies

Listed below are selected teacher resources, picture books, fiction, and non-fiction related to media literacy and media studies.

Teacher Resources

Media education for a digital generation

edited by Julie Frechette and Rob Williams

Grades: 6-12

This book argues that the goals for comprehensive and critical digital literacy require grasping the means through which communication is created, deployed, used, and shared, regardless of which tools or platforms are used for meaning making and social interaction. Drawing upon the intersecting matrices of digital literacy and media literacy, the volume provides a framework for developing critical digital literacies by exploring the necessary skills and competencies for engaging students as citizens of the digital world. (E-book only)

Media literacy education in action: Theoretical and pedagogical perspectives

edited by Belinha S. DeAbreu and Paul Mihailidis

Grades: K-12

Featuring a mix of perspectives, this book explores the divergent ways in which media literacy is connected to educational communities and academic areas in both local and global contexts. The volume is structured around seven themes: Media Literacy: Past and Present; Digital Media and Learning; Global Perspectives; Public Spaces; Civic Activism; Policy and Digital Citizenship; and Future Connections. (E-book only)

Media literacy, social networking, and the Web 2.0 environment for the K-12 educator

by Belinha S. DeAbreu

Grades: K-12

This book uses the theme of media literacy as a lens through which to view and discuss social networking and Web 2.0 environments. There is ongoing and positive research on the participatory culture created by youth who are heavily involved in the new digital technologies, yet schools tend to avoid these mediums for fear of the unknown. Can students learn within this context? This book posits that indeed they can, using media literacy as a way to provide a framework for these mediated environments.

Global media literacy in a digital age: Teaching beyond borders

edited by Belinha S. DeAbreu and Melda N. Yildiz

Grades: K-12

How do we connect with one another? How do the media portray different cultures and beliefs? What messages are often omitted from media? How do we connect what we see in the worldwide media to the classroom? This book, divided into four parts, serves to answer many of these questions. This resource provides a look at how media literacy education has become a global and interconnected dialogue brought about by the evolution of technology.

Close reading the media: Literacy lessons and activities for every month of the school year

by Frank W. Baker

Grades: 6-9

This book will help teachers work with middle school students to become savvy consumers of the TV, print, and online media bombarding them every day. Students will learn to think critically about photos, advertisements, and other media and consider the intended purposes and messages. Topics include helping students detect fake news, unraveling the messages in TV advertising, and looking at truth vs propaganda in political ads and debates. (E-book only)

Media literacy: New agendas in education

edited by Kathleen Tyner

Grades: K-12

This volume explores how educators can leverage student proficiency with new literacies for learning in formal and informal educational environments. It also investigates critical literacy practices that can best respond to the proliferation of new media in society, and what sorts of media education are needed to deal with the rapid influx of intellectual and communication resources. (E-book only)

Media and digital literacies in secondary school

by Reijo Kupiainen

Grades: 9-12

Young people bring their own media and literacy practices to the school as an important part of an identity, taste, and social life. This book highlights youth’s media production practices, from photography and video making to fan fiction writing and online role-playing, and shows how these practices make a dialog between informal and formal learning and that teachers have an important part in collaborative relationships with pupils when teachers encourage and motivate pupils and help them to understand media phenomena.

Argument in the real world: Teaching adolescents to read and write using digital texts

by Kristin Hawley Turner and Troy Hicks

Grades: 9-12

Digital texts influence what students buy, who they vote for, and what they believe about themselves and their world. In this book, the authors draw from real world texts and samples of student work to share insights and practical strategies in teaching students the logic of argument, whether those arguments are streaming in through a Twitter feed, a viral videos, or internet memes.

Fiction

Media meltdown: A graphic guide adventure

written by Liam O’Donnell, illustrated by Mike Deas

Grades: 4-8

When Karl Reed, Owner of Oasis Developments, tries to force the sale of a local fruit farm — through whatever means necessary — Pema, Bounce and Jagroop decide to expose him through the media. Little do they realize that when it comes to the news and the advertisers who make it possible, the truth is not always part of the story and nothing can be taken at face value.

Non-fiction

Power of the media

by Brooke Moore and Tara Smith

Grades: 6-9

Part of the Issues 21 series, which examines contemporary issues in society in order to develop students’ skills in the areas of critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, ethical citizenship and activism. Includes 6 student books and a teacher’s guide.

Digital world

by Glen Downey

Grades: 6-9

This book explores how to evaluate the effect of digital technologies on the way we think and interact. Part of the Issues 21 series. Includes 6 student books and a teacher’s guide.

Choosing news: What gets reported and why

by Barb Palser

Grades: 5-8

More news sources are available to us than ever before. But who decides what is news? Learn to identify good news sources and watch for slant. Don’t be fooled! Make sure your sources tell the real story. Part of the Exploring media literacy series.

Advertising attack

by Laura J. Hensley

Grades: 5-8

From simple signs to risky stunts, advertising takes many forms. Sometimes the message is confusing; sometimes it’s unforgettable. This book explores, the strategies, techniques, and tricks companies use to influence what we buy.

Made you look: How advertising works and why you should know

written by Shari Graydon, illustrated by Michelle Lamoreaux

Grades: 5-8

From the earliest roots of advertising to the undercover marketers of the 21st century, the authors shows where ads come from, how they work, and why kids need to be informed. Bursting with real-life examples, thought-provoking questions, and plenty of tips to empower young consumers, this book is every kid’s ultimate guide to the advertising universe.

Finding More Resources

To find more resources in this area, try the following:

Search using the General tab on the UBC Library website to look for material in all UBC Library branches.
Search using “Search Education Resources” box in the left hand bar on the Education Library website to limit your results to materials in the Education Library.
Use specific search terms to narrow your results, such as “digital media”, “social media”, “effect of technological innovations on popular culture”, “media literacy – study and teaching”, or “mass media in education”.
To find lesson plans, include “lesson plans”, “lesson planning”, or “activity programs” in your search terms.

For more help with searching, please visit the Library Service Desk or e-mail ed.lib@ubc.ca.

Tags Communication, Critical Thinking, Media Literacy, Media Studies, Social Studies

Core Competencies

Critical and Reflective Thinking

Post author By travis whitenight
Post date March 13, 2019
No Comments on Critical and Reflective Thinking

Thinking is one of the three Core Competencies in the BC curriculum. Critical and Reflective Thinking is one of two sub-competencies in this area.Listed below are selected resources for teachers, picture books, fiction, and non-fiction related to critical and reflective thinking.

La réflexion est l’une des trois compétences de base du programme d’études de la C.-B. La pensée critique et réfléchie est l’une des deux sous-compétences de ce domaine. La pensée critique et réfléchie est l’une des deux sous-compétences de ce domaine. Vous trouverez ci-dessous une sélection de ressources pour les enseignants, des livres d’images, des ouvrages de fiction et des ouvrages non romanesques liés à la pensée critique et réfléchie.

Ressources pour les enseignant (Teacher Resources)

Teaching creative and critical thinking in schools,

by Russell Grigg and Helen Lewis

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): K – 12

This book provides guidance on how to develop creative and critical thinking through your classroom teaching. Key coverage includes classroom-ready ideas to stimulate higher-order thinking, how to think critically and creatively across all areas of the curriculum, and philosophical approaches that give students the space to think and inquire. Case studies from primary, secondary and special schools are included.

Inquiry mindset: scaffolding a partnership for equity and agency in learning,

by Trevor MacKenzie

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 10 – 12

Co-design assessment with your students to create both a sense of belonging and ownership over learning in the classroom. Establish greater clarity and a deeper understanding for your students in how they’ll be assessed. Positively impact achievement and scores as well as your students’ sense of self and personal responsibility and autonomy.

Teaching students to use criteria,

by Llan Danjoux, Usha James, Laura Gini-Newman, & Garfield Gini-Newman

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): K – 12

When students are invited to respond to critical questions, criteria enable them to carefully weigh the options and make reasoned judgments about those questions.

Fact vs. fiction: teaching critical thinking skills in the age of fake news,

by Jennifer LaGarde and Darren Hudgins

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): K – 12

This book provides educators with tools and resources to help students discern fact from fiction in the information they access not only at school, but on the devices they carry in their pockets and backpacks.

Creating thinking classrooms: Leading educational change for this century,

by Garfield Gini-Newman and Roland Case

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): K – 12

This book suggests that aligning teaching with five key principles – engaging students, sustaining inquiry, nurturing self-regulated learners, creating assessment-rich learning, and enhancing learning through technology – can put creative, critical, and collaborative thinking at the core of 21st century schools.

The critical advantage: Developing critical thinking skills in school,

by William T. Gormley Jr.

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): K – 12

The author offers a contemporary definition of critical thinking, including its relationship to creative thinking and problem solving, and looks at the important role it plays in preparing students for post-secondary education, careers, and civic life.

Creating cultures of thinking: The 8 forces we must master to truly transform our schools,

by Ron Ritchhart

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): K – 12

This book outlines eight forces which are needed to create a culture of thinking in the classroom: expectations, language, time, modeling, opportunities, routines, interactions, and environment.

Critical thinking and formative assessments: Increasing the rigor in your classroom,

by Betsy Moore and Todd Stanley

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): K – 12

The authors suggest that critical thinking is a key tool in creating more rigor in the classroom. They demonstrate the difference between higher- and lower-level thinking, how to write higher-level thinking questions, and how to assess critical thinking strategies.

50 strategies to boost cognitive engagement: Creating a thinking culture in the classroom,

by Rebecca Stobaugh

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): K – 12

The author shares how to build a culture of thinking that emphasizes essential 21st century skills, from critical thinking and problem-solving to teamwork and creativity. She presents 50 teacher-tested instructional strategies for nurturing students’ cognitive abilities, as well as Take Action activities for student engagement in the classroom.

Les livres d’images (Picture Books)

Going places,

by Peter H. Reynolds & Paul A. Reynolds; illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): Préscolaire – 3 (Pre-K – 3)

It’s time for this year’s Going Places contest! Rafael has looked forward to the Going Places contest and builds his go-cart from a kit in record time, but his neighbour, Maya, has a much more interesting and creative idea for her entry and Rafael decides to help.

Duck! Rabbit!,

by Amy Krouse Rosenthal; illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): Préscolaire – 1 (Pre-K – 1)

Is it a duck or a rabbit? Depends on how you look at it! A smart, simple story that will make readers of all ages eager to take a side, Duck! Rabbit! makes it easy to agree on one thing, reading it again!

The true story of the 3 little pigs,

by A. Wolf; as told to Jon Scieszka; illustrated by Lane Smith

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): Préscolaire – 3 (Pre-K – 3)

You’ve heard the story of the 3 little pigs but you’ve yet to hear the Wolf’s side of the fairy tale. Recounted by the wolf, an outlandish version of what “really” happened when he tangled with the three little pigs.

What do you do with an idea?,

by Kobi Yamada; illustrated by Mae Besom

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): Préscolaire – 3 (Pre-K – 3)

This is the story of one brilliant idea and the child who helps to bring it into the world. As the child’s confidence grows, so does the idea itself. And then, one day, something amazing happens. This is a story for anyone, at any age, who’s ever had an idea that seemed a little too big, too odd, too difficult.

Ada Twist, Scientist,

by Andrea Beaty; illustrated by David Roberts

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): Préscolaire – 2 (Pre-K – 2)

Ada is curious; she spends almost all her time asking questions about why things are they way they are. Her family supports her – at least, until the day she looks for the source of a horrible smell.

The most magnificent thing,

by Ashley Spires

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): Préscolaire – 2 (Pre-K – 2)

A little girl and her dog set out to make the most magnificent thing. When it doesn’t turn out the way they expect, they step back and think about what they need to do next.

The thingamabob,

by Il Sung Na

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): Préscolaire – 2 (Pre-K – 2)

A curious elephant discovers a mysterious red object. He finds out what it is the best way he knows how: by experimenting with it.

Shh! We have a plan,

by Chris Haughton

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): Préscolaire – 1 (Pre-K – 1)

Four friends creep through the woods, and what do they spot? An exquisite bird high in a tree! ‘Hello birdie, ‘ waves one. ‘Shh! We have a plan, ‘ hush the others. They stealthily make their advance, nets in the air. Ready one, ready two, ready three, and go!

The girl who never made mistakes,

by Mark Pett & Gary Rubinstein; illustrated by Mark Pett

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): Préscolaire – 3 (Pre-K – 3)

Beatrice has never made a mistake. She never forgets her math homework, she never wears mismatched socks, and she always wins the yearly talent show at school. One day, the inevitable happens: Beatrice makes a huge mistake in front of everyone. But in the end, she realizes that life is more fun when you enjoy everything–even the mistakes.

Non-Fiction

Critical thinking,

by Liz Brown

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 4 – 7

This book explores questions like “What is important information?” and “How can I improve the way I think about subjects?”, and demonstrates how students can learn to think more critically about the information they encounter. For more books in the Social Studies Essential Skills series, click here.

Two truths and a lie: Histories and mysteries,

by Ammi-Joan Paquette & Laurie Anne Thompson

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 2 – 7

Crazy-but-true stories about history, geography, and human achievement make this nonfiction series ideal for fans of curiosities and wonders. A fun way for middle graders to explore ways to separate fact from fiction.

Above and beyond with critical thinking and problem solving,

by Megan Kopp

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 4 – 9

This innovative title explores the ways that critical thinking can be applied to problem solving in school, work, and social settings. Real-world examples and opportunities for hands-on practice support readers as they learn how to frame, analyze, and synthesize information.

Above and beyond with creativity and innovation,

by Robin Johnson

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 4 – 9

Creativity and innovation are central to success in the 21st century. This dynamic title provides a comprehensive look at creative processes in a variety of settings. Readers are introduced to various brainstorming techniques and will learn different approaches to help refine and evaluate their ideas.

Trouver d’autres ressources

Voici quelques conseils pour trouver d’autres ressources dans ce domaine :

Sur la page principale du site de la bibliothèque de l’UBC, utilisez la boîte de recherche générale pour rechercher des matériaux à travers toutes les succursales de la bibliothèque de l’UBC.
Pour limiter vos résultats aux matériels disponibles à la Bibliothèque de l’éducation, visitez le site web de la Bibliothèque de l’éducation et effectuez une recherche à l’aide de la case “Search Education Resources” située dans la bande à gauche de l’écran.
Remarque : les ressources étant principalement cataloguées en anglais, les termes ci-dessous donnent généralement plus de résultats que les recherches effectuées en français. Vous pouvez filtrer votre liste de résultats par langue dans la barre latérale de gauche.
Utilisez des termes de recherche spécifiques, tels que
- “creative thinking OR critical thinking AND creative teaching OR teaching”, “questioning”, “information literacy”, “thought and thinking”, “inquiry-based learning AND teaching”, “creative ability OR inspiration AND juvenile fiction OR fiction OR non-fiction”, ou “self-confidence AND juvenile fiction OR non-fiction”
Pour trouver des plans de cours, incluez “lesson plans”, “lesson planning”, or “activity programs” dans vos termes de recherche.

Finding More Resources

To find more resources in this area, try the following:

Search using the General tab on the UBC Library website to look for material in all UBC Library branches.
Search using “Search Education Resources” box in the left hand bar on the Education Library website to limit your results to physical materials in the Education Library.
Use specific search terms, such as
- “creative thinking OR critical thinking AND creative teaching OR teaching”, “questioning”, “information literacy”, “thought and thinking”, “inquiry-based learning AND teaching”, “creative ability OR inspiration AND juvenile fiction OR fiction OR non-fiction”, ou “self-confidence AND juvenile fiction OR non-fiction”
To find lesson plans, include “lesson plans”, “lesson planning”, or “activity programs” in your search terms.

Tags British Columbia, Core Competencies, Critical Thinking, Inquiry, Reflective Thinking