Featured Activity Kit: Word Topper Game

Posted on March 15, 2017 by Nora Frauley-Elson

Getting students interested in spelling and vocabulary lessons can be difficult. Luckily, the OISE Library has a number of different games that help students learn while allowing them to have fun. Word Topper is an excellent resource for those looking for a fun way to encourage vocabulary-building in young learners. This word game is meant for students ages eight and up, and up to eight players can enjoy the game at once. This makes it a good resource for breakout groups or small classrooms.

Each card has a letter with which players can build worlds for points, and there are five different wild cards to keep the game going at an exciting pace. Each letter card clearly indicates the number of points that it is worth. Students can challenge themselves to use their vocabularies in new ways, as building bigger and more complex words means more possible points. This game could also be a helpful resource for practicing spelling in a fun way. Word topper comes in a compact box and contains a total of 137 cards, or 130 letter cards, 4 wild cards and 3 direction cards. The rules are explained in a clear way so that students can begin to play quickly.

There are many educational games and kits in the curriculum resources section of the OISE Library that cover a variety of subjects. This activity kit is now on display on the ground floor of OISE Library next to the reference desk and our new student seating.

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New Juvenile Fiction Book Titles

Posted on March 15, 2017 by Marcos Armstrong

The OISE Library has recently added several illustrated children’s books to the juvenile fiction collection.

A Voyage in the Clouds: The (Mostly) True Story of the First International Flight by Balloon in 1785 (2016) is based on the true story of the first international flight. The adventure begins in England and involves Dr. John Jeffries and the French pilot, Jean-Pierre Blanchard. Although the men cannot stand each other, they must depend on each other in order to complete the perilous journey. This story shows how perseverance and group work can make even the most difficult tasks possible.

The Wolf-Birds (2015) describes the relationship between
ravens and wolves. The animals depend on each other to find food. The connection between wolves and ‘wolf-birds’ is referred to as mutualism. Wolves are alerted about potential prey by the ravens. Ravens must watch out for wolves, then follow them as they catch their prey, in anticipation of left overs: “From strongest to smallest, everyone feasts in turn, filling bellies and beaks.” This story illustrates the important connection between these animals, especially during the harsh winters.

The White Cat and the Monk: A Retelling of the Poem “Pangur Bán” (2016) is based on an Irish poem written by a Benedictine monk in the ninth century. The story describes the pastimes of the monk and a white cat. As the monk tries to discover the hidden meanings in a manuscript, the cat keeps a watchful eye out for a mouse. The monk and the cat keep each other company as they work away throughout the night. Readers are invited to study the monk’s manuscript, and to observe how a patient and focused approach to challenging tasks can lead to rewarding outcomes.

Little Red (2016) is a retelling of the classic fairy tale, with a twist. Little Red knows what the wolf is up to, and she won’t let him get away with it. She may be little, but she is not afraid of standing up to the big wolf. Author and illustrator, Bethan Woollvin takes a subversive approach to the fairytale most readers will be familiar with. Winner of the Macmillan Children’s Book Prize 2014, and awarded Best Illustrated Book 2016 by the New York Times, Little Red is sure to delight readers of all ages

These books, along with other recent acquisitions are available on the new arrivals bookshelf, next to the circulation desk.

Happy reading!

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New Titles: Makers and Tinkers

Posted on March 15, 2017 by Lily Yuxi Ren

A convergence of computer hackers and traditional artisans, Maker Movements and Maker Faires have garnered attention to the maker culture which has gained momentum for its technology-based extension of Do-It-Yourself culture. From designing to making to tinkering, consumers are turned makers as independent inventors, designers, and tinkerers. Learn how you can bring the maker movement to the classroom and inspire student makers with these new titles to OISE Library Collection.

Worlds of Making: Best Practices for Establishing a Makerspace for your School
By Laura Fleming

Author Laura Fleming, an educator and strong advocate for using new media, has garnered national attention for her work in makerspaces which has served as an inspiration for schools across the US. As a recipient of the National School Boards “20 to Watch” in Educational Technology Leadership for 2014, Laura is driven to enable educators in applying innovative methods and new technology in education. In Worlds of Making, she shares her experience working with students to equip them with necessary skills to effectively produce and consume context across multiple media platforms. This book provides an overview of the maker movement as a revolution taking place in learning. Outlining best practices for educators to establish their own makerspace, she provides helpful tips on imagining, planning, creating, and managing makerspaces. The book also addresses how the movement is reshaping education in an attempt to promote learning-through-doing in an open, social, and peer-led environment. Using classroom and library examples, this guide for educators provides answers to questions educators may have in establishing their own makerspace, including consultation with colleagues and students, formulating ideas, making purchases, creating budgets, and facilitation and operation of projects.

Making Makers: Kids, Tools, and the Future of Innovation
By AnnMarie Thomas

Curious about the intersections of learning and making? In Making Makers, author AnnMarie Thomas draws on her personal experience to highlight the importance for parents and educators to encourage children to be makers and to see the world as something they are actively helping to create. Through stories, research, and data, Thomas interweaves a history of the Maker Movement and its unsung heroes. Readers will explore the numerous paths to being a maker. To become makers, Thomas suggests children explore their interests and the world around them through play and making. As supporters and facilitators, parents and educators can engage and encourage making to promote lifelong learning. From setting stuff on fire to blowing stuff up, having the freedom to experiment with failure sparks interest that has sustained them into childhood. In Making Makers, lifelong creativity is a learned skill, one fostered and nurtured in childhood.

Maker Projects for Kids Who Love Robotics
By James Bow

“Look around you. Most things you see have been made by people.” In Maker Projects for Kids Who Love Robotics, author James Bow deconstructs robots into their basic components and provides step-by-step instructions on building robots that do different tasks. Readers will learn about robots and how they help with our daily tasks. From the clepsydra in 200 BCE to Opportunity, the robot Martian lander designed for Mars, robots have evolved from the idea of using tools and automatons to performing human tasks. Explore different kinds of robots and put your skills to the test and see what amazing robotic creations you can construct!

Paper Inventions: Machines that Move, Drawings that Light Up, and Wearables and Structures You Can Cut, Fold, and Roll
By Kathy Ceceri

Paper, a thin sheet of material make from the pulp of wood or other fibrous substances, is often used for writing, drawing, and printing. Did you know it can also be used to make incredible things?! In this project-based book with full colour illustrations, children, parents, and educators can follow step-by-step instructions, supply lists, and templates to create paper inventions. From beginner to experienced makers, the chapters feature different projects of varying difficulty such as an action origami robot worm, a life-size geodesic dome, and a light-up paper cat. Whether you like to make crafts or play with electronics, there are various projects to challenge and use your creativity using household supplies. When your project doesn’t work out as planned, learn how to troubleshoot and find the problem as part of the creative process.

The Big Book of Makerspace Projects: Inspiring Makers to Experiment, Create, and Learn
By Colleen Graves and Aaron Graves

This maker’s handbook will guide readers through many “makerspace” fundamentals. With easy-to-follow DIY projects on a budget, learn to create and make these projects and apply these skills to design and make your own creations. Divided by different levels of project difficulty, beginners and advanced makers can all benefit from practical tips and challenges to tinker with their projects. Each project is guided by photos and illustrations to help makers succeed and expand their imagination. Educators can learn how they can set up their own maker workshops in the class. Discover how to create scribble machines, sewn LED bracelets, Arduino stuffies, bluetooth-enabled robots, 3-D designs and printing, and much more.

You can view these titles and many more on the ground floor of the OISE Library by the “New Arrivals” shelf. Please visit the OISE Library Collection for more resources on the maker culture.

Happy Reading!

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March 15, 2017: Library Third Floor Reserved

Posted on March 13, 2017 by Desmond Wong

Please note that the Third Floor of the Library, specifically in the Children’s Literature Collection area, will be reserved for an event on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 from 2:30 – 4:30 PM. Please contact Desmond Wong at de.wong@utoronto.ca, PH: 416-978-1945 if you have any questions or concerns.

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International Women’s Day

Posted on March 8, 2017 by Lily Yuxi Ren

Worldwide, International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8th to recognize the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. This also marks a call to action for progress towards gender parity. According to the United Nations, “International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.” The United Nations theme this year focuses on “Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030.” Empowerment of all women and girls is essential in building a strong community of women, and to work towards a more gender-inclusive world.

In honour of International Women’s Day, the OISE Library has curated a collection of resources on gender equality, gender parity, and female achievements. From the Women’s Suffrage Movement to recent female figures like Malala, women have fought for rights to inclusive and quality education. Imperative for sustainable development, education can help achieve gender equality in the world of work. Please visit this subject guide for more resources.

Highlights from the OISE Library Collection:



… and MORE!

Please visit the OISE Lobby Display on the ground floor of the OISE building to view the International Women’s Day display. For additional resources, please see the OISE Library catalogue.

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