Our Learning Commons

The Learning Commons is a focal point of McKenzie Highlands School and will be actively used by students throughout the day to complete and extend classroom learning tasks as well as pursue personal interests. The Learning Commons support a diversity of learning styles and provides access to a variety of physical and digital resources and technology. The Learning Commons represents “a shift in thinking from a library as physical space that is a repository of books, to an inclusive, flexible, learner-centered, physical and/or virtual space for collaboration, inquiry, imagination and play to expand and deepen learning.” (Alberta Education, 2015, Guide to Education, p. 77.) 

Learning Commons Newsletter-  May edition

Welcome to our Learning Commons Newsletter.  Check in each month to find out what activities are happening in our space.  There will be monthly genre highlights, contests, and a few laughs along the way. 

Favorite Book Finder

The "favorite book finder" is ready for students to use!  Students can clink on the link below to access the questions that will lead them to one of 150 customized lists, perfect for their reading tastes and age group.  Do you like funny books with magic?  Or perhaps  you prefer books about characters experiencing personal struggles due to cultural differences?  How about romances set in important time periods in history?  There is a list for everyone!  Give it a try!

Click here to access the Favorite Book Finder

💐  This Month In The L.C.  💐

It's hard to believe that there are only two months left to the school year!  This means there is one month left to checkout some great books from our L.C.  If your child is looking for a personalized list of books that they are sure to enjoy, please see the Favorite Book Finder above or try out a great science fiction novel from our list below.  May the 4th be with you!

Year End Returns

Please note that all books will need to be returned to the learning commons on or before June 2, to ensure that a replacement fee is not added to the student's account.  If there are any questions, please contact Mrs. Litwin in the Learning Commons. 

Genre Of The Month-  Science Fiction 

With Star Wars day in the mix, we will celebrate our science fiction books this month, especially the interplanetary travel type.  Here are some popular titles below that are out of this world (sorry, I couldn't resist).  Click on the book cover below to go to the synopsis on Goodreads website.  

Our L.C. Clubs

During the second half of lunch break, students are invited to come to the learning commons on their grade day,  for some quiet activities.  They can choose to play a board game with friends, play with Lego, finger knit, read, or do one of the planned crafting activities with Mrs. Litwin.  

During April and May we will also be making Kumihomo wristbands, with one of the many patterns to choose from, from easy level to more advanced. 

Mondays-  Grade 6

Tuesdays- Grade 5

Wednesdays- Grade 4

Thursdays-  Grades 7-9

LOL Break 

Q:  How do you throw a party for an alien?

A:  You have to planet. 

New Contest!

Many of the students have entered the "in a nutshell" contest by recommending one of their favorite books and describing it, but it's not too late to enter.  Two winners will be drawn on May 12, and receive a prize of a Tim Hortons or Chapters gift card (their choice). 

Quote Of The Month

“Pass on what you have learned. Strength, mastery, hmm… but weakness, folly, failure, also. Yes, failure, most of all. The greatest teacher, failure is.”   - Yoda