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Freedom to Read Week – February 25-March 3 2018
What is Freedom to Read Week?
Under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Canadians are granted intellectual freedom. Freedom to Read Week is designed to encourage Canadians to reflect upon these rights.
Freedom to Read Week is organized by the Freedom of Expression Committee of the Book and Periodical Council. Here is a list of over 100 books that have been banned or challenged within Canada.
How Can You Celebrate?
freedomtoread.ca has several ideas for educators on how to get involved. These ideas can be used during FTRW but also year-round.
1) Start a banned book club. Find a book that has been challenged or banned, and talk about censorship with your class or group.
2) Host a photo contest. Participants can submit selfies with a banned book or FTRW poster, a photo of a FTRW event in their community, or anything that promotes freedom of expression.
3) Hang a poster in your class or workspace. Freedom to Read kits can be purchased on the FTR site, which include posters and clip art. You can create a display centered on banned books or censored writers.
4) Organize a public event with your class. Censored author readings, awards for challenged books, or panel discussions on intellectual freedom are a few ideas.
Links and Resources
Bannings and Burnings in History
Posters/Infographics: 30 Challenged Publications, Understanding Canadian Defamation Law, Access to Information
For a comprehensive list of resources, see the FTR website.
Freedom to Read Week 2018
Serendipity 2018
Beasts, Birds and Words: The Poetics of Children’s Books
Join us to hear Isabelle Arsenault, Robert Heidbreder, Kyo Maclear, Tiffany Stone, and Frédéric Gauthier of Les Éditions de la Pastèque talk about their works, their inspiration, and the Canadian children’s book publishing space at UBC Robson Square on Saturday, March 3, 2018.
Isabelle Arsenault, an award winning Quebecois author/illustrator is Canada’s nominee for the 2018 world Hans Christian Anderson illustrator award, the top award in the world for illustrators of children’s books. She has won the Canadian Governor General’s Award for Children’s Books many times. Her books are published in French and in English. Her books are for both children and teens.
Presenting along with her is Quebecois publisher Frédéric Gauthier and a host of wonderful poetry writers for children and youth.
Mar. 3, 2018 | 8am to 3:30 pm | UBC Robson Square
Early bird rates end February 14, 2018 | Final ticket sales close February 28, 2018
Registration includes: Coffee, snacks, lunch, book sales, and book signing.
Find more information and register here.
Family Literacy Day is January 27th!
Family Literacy Day is January 27th! Taking time every day to read or do a learning activity with children is crucial to a child’s development. What do you have planned to promote this special day to your students and their family members? Here are a few activities to get you started.
Barbara Reid’s modelling clay activities
Family Literacy Day Event Co-ordinator’s Guide
Be sure to check the ABC Life Literacy Canada website for more information and resources.
The Education Library currently has popular children’s books along with resources for adults about children’s literacy on display in the Education Library. Be sure to stop by and check them out!
Blackout Poetry – Classroom Connection
Have you ever considered using blackout poetry in your lessons?
Teachers at all grade levels are finding ways to use blackout poetry with their students. Here are a few examples from teachers:
Love, Teach blog: Blackout Poetry for the Win!
Scholastic: Blackout Poems
Vogel, E. & Miller, N.: What Would You Erase?: A Lesson on Blackout Poetry
To try blackout poetry for yourself, come to our De-Stress Day event on January 24 from 12:00-2:00pm! We will have all of the materials ready for you to make your own blackout poems.
When: January 24, 12:00-2:00 Drop-in
Where: Scarfe 155 – Education Library
Supplies for colouring and puppet making will also be available. We hope you’ll come de-stress with us!
De-Stress Day
Where: Scarfe 155 – Education Library
When: January 24, 12:00-2:00 Drop-in
Join us in Scarfe 155 for some calming and creative activities! Unwind with some colouring, try your hand at blackout poetry, craft your own puppet, or take a picture in our green screen photo booth.
