Category Archives: General Information

VERSION 2 Of The Altered EDUC 310/316 Schedule For The Next Two Weeks

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Thanks for your feedback on my original plan for altering the POT/COM schedule over the next two weeks.  In light of the comments – mostly to do with conflicts around the late end time of class – I’ve made some revisions.  It’s not possible to start earlier in the day, but I’ve made some changes to achieve an earlier end to class on both days.

Here are some key points to the plan:

  1. We’ll continue to have no classes on Wednesday, 20 October or Wednesday, 27 October.
  2. Seeing as we’re moving from COM to POT (EDUC 310) and POT classes include 1 hour of self-directed reading time, we’re only required to have 3.5 hours together in class.
  3. I’ve slotted us in for an earlier EAL Presentation on Monday, 25 October
  4. I’ve shortened lunch from 1 hour to 1/2 hour to allow for an earlier dismissal.. but to still allow for eating and (some) digestion 🙂
  5. A 2:00 end of classes is consistent with the regular dismissal time for most of you on Mondays (are far as I can tell from the Standard MIddle Years Timetables I can access)

With that in mind, here’s the NEW schedule – Version 2:

Monday, 18 October 2010

– 10:00 to 12:30 in SC 204
– 12:30 to 1:00 = LUNCH
– 1:00 to 2:00 in SC 204

Monday, 25 October 2010

– 10:00 to 11:30 = Presentation on Teaching EAL (English as an Additional Language) Learners in Woodward IRA 5 (Here’s a map:http://www.maps.ubc.ca/PROD/index_detail.php?locat1=536)
– 11:30 to 12:00 = Lunch
– 12:00 to 2:00 in SC 204

It’s a challenge each year to make this work, and I hope Version 2 meets everyone’s needs.  Please advise me ASAP if this new schedule will not work for you.   Also, get in touch if you have any questions.

Thanks,
Lawrence

Emily Longworth Award: Funding For Special Projects on Practicum

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Here’s another practicum-related opportunity you may be keen to pursue.  Please read the message below from Elementary / Middle Years Practicum Coordinator, Bob Shoofey, for information on how you can win the Emily Longworth Award and access funds to facilitate a special project in your practicum classroom:

“In honour of the memory of Emily Longworth, a teacher candidate who was an inspiration and role model to fellow students, these awards are offered to those whose practica involve curricula or extra–curricular activities promoting multicultural understanding, healthy lifestyle, environmental awareness, and achieving full life potential. Candidates annually apply by January 30 through the Teacher Education Office.

This is a wonderful opportunity for TCs to apply for funding to undertake special learning projects with their class. This funding is intended to benefit children in schools where they are less likely to have access to enrichment projects. Projects could be in the fine arts, environmental studies, social justice, etc and resources should be targeted on the children’s learning experiences rather than on equipment.

Interested TCs should discuss a potential project with their SA and then see Gary Rupert in TEO as soon as the 2-week practicum is complete.”

– Lawrence

Announcing an Alternate Practicum in a Rural or Remote BC Community

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This opportunity is hot off the presses.  Please see below for information about an exciting practicum option that I’ve been asked to make you aware of:

“The Ministry of Education (through TEO) is offering funding to experience a 3 or 4 week practicum (the final 3 or 4 weeks of EDUC 419, the long practicum) in a rural or remote BC elementary school classroom.

The goal of this initiative is to increase the visibility of schools in rural and remote BC communities and to highlight their potential as great places to live and teach.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, up to twenty teacher candidates will have the chance to experience a practicum in a rural or remote setting from June 6 – 24, 2011.  Funding in the form of a bursary between $1400 and $2000 (depending on location) will be provided to offset some of the costs of transportation, accommodation, and living expenses.

Applicants must have demonstrated a high level of achievement in all completed course work, and in EDUC 323, the two-week practicum. Confirmation of acceptance will be made following a successful mid-point evaluation during EDUC 419 in addition to advisor approval.

If you are a TC interested in this opportunity, please contact Bob Shoofey (robert.shoofey@ubc.ca) in TEO as soon as possible.  Please provide Bob with some potential locations where you would be interested in going for this practicum, as we are open to any and all possibilities.”

Here’s the application form if you’re interested: Application for Rural or Remote Practicum Experience – 2010.  It’s due on Friday, 26 November 2010.

– Lawrence

Looking Ahead to EDUC 315 Practicum Prep & Ropes Course on 28 Sept 2010

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We’ve got an exciting day planned for Tuesday, 28 September.  It breaks down nicely into three parts.  Here’s the scoop:

PART 1: PRE-PRACTICUM PREP AND INFO GATHERING

We will meet from 10:00 am to NOON in PONDEROSA E 123.  Here’s a map if you need help finding the building.

During this time, we will:

  • Gather Information on Your Practicum Preferences
  • Highlight the Goals and Expectations of EDUC 315, the Tuesdays Practicum
  • Discuss How to “Suck Out All the Marrow” of the Practicum Experience (with apologies to Thoreau)
  • Stress the Importance of Professional Demeanour
  • Share Tips for Classroom Observations
  • Answer Any Burning Questions

PART 2: POTLUCK LUNCH

Your friendly neighbourhood Social Committee is taking the reins on this one.  Look for more details soon via this blog or, perhaps, even old school face-to-face communication in class.

PART 3: THE UBC ROPES COURSE

We’ll hit the UBC Ropes Course from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm.  The experience promises to provide challenge, team building opportunities, and fun.   The cost is $25 per person.  Please bring your money on the day as we will pay when we arrive at the course.

Check out the facility’s website if you’d like to see some photos of course participants in action.  Also, you can view this clip of high schoolers at ropes course.  It’s different than the one we’ll visit, but the video should give you a sense of what you can expect:

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_82Zr1qTp8[/youtube]

Background Information

Here is some information about the course and the philosophy that guides its operation:

The UBC Ropes Course is an entirely outdoor, forested facility located between Thunderbird Stadium and 16th Ave.  We offer a variety of great programming…

We allow all members of the team to be as active in each activity as they choose to be.  Our “Challenge by Choice” philosophy allows each team member to choose their individual challenge for each initiative– we fully understand that not everyone has the same comfort level for various challenges.  Peer pressure will not be tolerated to coerce people into doing something they do not choose to do.  However we will ask for permission to encourage all team members.

The Supply List

Here is some important information about what and what NOT to bring to this outing:

Please be sure to bring the following things to the course:

1.   Signed waiver & medical history form – we will complete these on the morning of the event

2.   Snack and a water bottle — to keep energy levels high

3.   An extra sweater or jacket — It’s always 5oC cooler in the shade of the trees

4.   Closed toe shoes — no sandals or flip flops

Optional items:

5.   Raincoat or poncho (not umbrellas) for wet days— we run rain or shine

6.   Gloves—hanging on to ropes can occasionally cause rope burn or blisters.  Mountain bike, weight lifting, or batting gloves are the best.  Something with grip, but that fits snugly.

7.   Camera – it’s great to have lasting memories of the day, but realize that taking photos will not always possible as you will need to be an active participant in the program.

Please DO NOT bring:

  • MP3 players
  • Valuables
  • Alcohol
  • Tobacco
  • Narcotics
  • Pets
  • Garden gnomes (they creep me out!)

If you have questions, please check out this list of FAQs – UBC Ropes Course FAQs.  If you still have questions, please see me in class or drop me on email.

That’s all for now.

Cheers,

– Lawrence

Digital Tattoo Workshop Evaluation Form

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The presenters of last week’s Digital Tattoo workshop value your feedback.  To that end, please follow this link to the Digital Tattoo Workshop Evaluation form on which you can express your thoughts on the talk.  Information gathered will be used to improve the helpfulness and relevance of future DT presentations.

Cheers,

– Lawrence

Vancouver Aquarium’s Teacher Appreciation Night on Thursday, 7 October 2010

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Not a lot of really high quality freebies come the way of teachers so, when they do, I’ll let you know about them.  The Vancouver Aquarium is presenting its Teacher Appreciation Night on Thursday, 7 October 2010 from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm.  It’s open to all TCs.  Here’s the blurb as per the Van Aqua website:

A night for all B.C. educators, student teachers & teachers-on-call to be pampered by the Vancouver Aquarium!

You and a guest are invited to join us for this exclusive, complimentary evening of fun and excitement as we thank you for the wonderful work that you do.

Expect to enjoy:

Register now for this event!

– Lawrence

FREE Field Trip Fair For Teachers & TCs

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On Monday, 27 September 2010 the 8th Annual Field Trip Fair will be happening at the Japanese Canadian National Museum in Burnaby from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm.  If you’re interested and can attend, please check the flyer below or the website – www.bcfieltrips.ca – for more information.  Attend this event and you could win a bus bursary or a FREE field trip for your practicum class:

Extravaganza 2010: A Conference Presented by the Richmond Primary Teachers’ Association

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Please see the image and PDF below for information about a conference hosted by the Richmond Primary Teachers’ Association.  Most of the workshops are aimed at those teaching K- 3 but a few are relevant to those teaching students in the middle years.

Here’s the full PDF with all the details: Extravaganza 2010 Conference Package

– Lawrence

More Information, um…, Smartness: A Media Literacy Related Update

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Here are a few media literate links courtesy of Jo-Anne Naslund from Ed LIb:

Google for Educators

The Best Features for Busy Teachers @  http://www.edutopia.org/google-educators.  These user-friendly tools will keep you and your class inspired, inventive, and organized.

Google Lit Trips

Bringing Travel Tales to Life @ http://www.edutopia.org/google-lit-trips-virtual-literature.  Follow along for a multidimensional literary adventure.

Thanks to Jo-Anne for sending these my way.

– Lawrence

Middle Years Curlers show Kevin Martin where the middle is

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Not there, Kevin, in the MIDDLE of the house!

What a multitalented bunch! We took to the ice like a bunch of pros yesterday employing new techniques, superb brushing and high level strategies like blanking the end.

Thanks to Hillary for making the arrangements and to everyone else for giving me such a memorable Middle Years farewell. I have the picture on my desk and I will be thinking of all of you as you embark on the most exciting phase of your program.

Your former F.A.,

Shep