CATCA 2021: Full Schedule

9:00am MST

Reading Comprehension Success Grades 7 to 9

This workshop will provide ELA teachers with a pathway of how to increase student achievement on Reading Comprehension Assessments as well as ease the stress and anxiety students often experience when faced with writing these assessments. The types of questions on Reading Comprehension assessments require specific skills. The skills can be categorized into 5 areas: Identify and Interpret Ideas and Details; Interpret Text Organization; Associate Meaning; Make Connections; Evaluate. During this session teachers will unpack each reading comprehension skill and understand the curriculum outcomes, which align to each skill; review assessment questions which are aligned to each skill; understand and practise aligning assessment questions to each skill; and write assessment questions that assess each skill.

Speakers

Brigitta Goerres

President, Edu-Best Educational Resources

With over 30 years in education, I began as a classroom teacher after graduating from the University of Alberta. I worked with the Ministry of Education and served as the Executive Director of Curriculum for an educational company where I developed study tools in print and digital... Read More →

Reading Comprehension Success Session 7 9 copy pdf

Thursday February 18, 2021 9:00am - 10:15am MST
CATCA Virtual Room 065

Assessment (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)

9:00am MST

Make Your Own Tipi *PRE-RECORDED*

Join an interactive cultural learning experience that will support your understanding of the traditional use and teachings of the Tipi. Join Elder Phillip Campiou, from Treaty 8, as we share in learning about the tipi and creating your own miniature tipi. We will share stories of the past and understand how these stories provide insight for us in the present moment. Learn some history of the tipi, both Cree and Blackfoot, and how you can incorporate this learning into your classroom and your daily life.
Here is a list of supplies to obtain
- Tipi template (pdf attached) - best printed off on 11 x 17 paper
- crayons, markers
- scissors
- scotch tape
- kebob sticks (approximately 30 cm) - Dollar store
- pencil, eraser
- ruler

These two items help to draw images on your tipi (if needed)
- animal/shape stencils (optional)
- carbon paper (optional)

Speakers

Phillip Campiou

Knowledge Keeper, Elder

Phillip Campiou is a Traditional Woodland Cree who is originally from Driftpile Cree Nation, Alberta. He now resides in the Onoway area. As a young man, his father taught Phillip how to be self-sufficient and live off the land. Inherent in these teachings was an unwavering respect... Read More →

Print on 11 x 17 paper tipi template pdf

Thursday February 18, 2021 9:00am - 10:15am MST
Online (Pre-Recording)

Language Arts (TQS 3), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Art (TQS 3), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Indigenous Education (TQS/LQS 5), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3)

9:00am MST

Congo for the Taking… (Part 1) Leopold’s Congo Free State to ‘Independence’

This session examines the history of Congo as a case study of Imperialism… from Leopold’s Congo to ‘Independence’. It focuses on the roles of foreign actors, including Canada, and their motives. Were they truly motivated by the enlightened Idealism they professed or the dark Realism described by Joseph Conrad, “The conquest of the earth is not a pretty thing when you look into it too much”? This session quotes from "Heart of Darkness" to illustrate the continuity of Realism in Imperial policy from Leopold's Congo to ‘Independence’ and challenges many of our most cherished historical myths… including the admission in a DND document that Canadian Peacekeepers played a vital role in Prime Minister Lumumba’s capture. Kwame Nkrumah and Politburo and US NSC staff explain how UN Peacekeepers were misused for control in Congo. From Leopold to Lumumba’s assassination we examine this quote, "… the norms of private life and of a polity regulated by law are only with difficulty invoked in global politics.” We also explore the implications of this history for Social Studies Curricula.

Speakers

Greg Hunter

Social Studies

Greg Hunter taught Science in Alberta for 30 years. His talks promote an understanding and teaching of History based on Evidence and Reason and a vigilance against Dogma and Bias. Adam Hochschild, Professor at UC Berkeley and author of 'King Leopold's Ghost' said, “Greg's talks... Read More →

What Really Happened in Congo mp3

Thursday February 18, 2021 9:00am - 10:15am MST
CATCA Virtual Room 057

Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Social Studies (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

9:00am MST

Expressive Handmade Books *PRE-RECORDED*

Limited Capacity seats available

You have a choice of how you would like to do this class. You can purchase the supplies and have them mailed no later than two weeks (Feb 5) prior to the conference.The supplies you will receive are all of the papers for all the book projects precut and prepainted ready for binding. The cost of the supplies is $28.50 including shipping. Alternatively you can bring your own supplies (click here to view) or just watch the video and do the project at a later date.
The handout for this class should be printed on an 11x17 piece of paper.
Make sure to send an email including your name, home address and convention you are attending (CATCA) AND pay $28.50 by email transfer (password: CATCA2021) to sally@sallytowerssybblis.com

Speakers

Sally Towers-Sybblis

Artist

Sally Towers-Sybblis is a full time mixed media artist from Red Deer, Alberta. Her whimsical style of art often incorporates a combination of lettering, watercolor, acrylics or book making. Her work has been featured in various publications including “The Lettering Arts Review... Read More →

11x17%22 Expressive Handmade Book Handout pdf

Thursday February 18, 2021 9:00am - 12:00pm MST
Online (Pre-Recording)

Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6) | Art (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6)

10:45am MST

Poetry Expedition - A Student Portfolio Approach to Teaching Poetry

This session focuses on using a student portfolio approach to teaching poetry using the theme of a Poetry Expedition. Students will be taken on a poetry expedition. They will be given “Navigational Tools” to appreciate and understand many forms of poetry. They are given “Specimens” of poems to use as references when they begin searching for their own specimens of poems. Here they will learn about common poetry types. Next, they will receive “Navigational Techniques” to help them select and organize appropriate specimens of poetry. Here they will learn about analyzing poetry and decoding words, ideas, imagery, and styles and patterns as well creating a bibliography of their found specimens. At last, students will be off on their Navigator’s Trek Poetry Portfolio Trip where they will use 21st century learning to discover their own specimens; prepare their specimens for a portfolio by responding to reflective questions for each specimen; create relevant graphics/art for each poem specimen; assemble their portfolio’s and finally present their portfolios. In addition to this, each student will author a poem of a format of their choice. These authored poems will be presented during a Poetry Reading class for the final class(es) of the program.

Speakers

Brigitta Goerres

President, Edu-Best Educational Resources

Poetry Student Portfolio Session pdf

Poetry Expedition A Portfolio Approach to Teaching Poetry pptx

Thursday February 18, 2021 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
CATCA Virtual Room 065

Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Learning Commons & Makerspaces (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)

10:45am MST

Congo for the Taking… (Part 2) ‘Independence’ to The Congo Wars

This session examines the history of Congo as a case study of Imperialism… from ‘Independence’ to the ongoing Congo Wars. Topics include - Lumumba’s assassination, Hammarskjold’s death, Katangan succession, Mobutu’s rise, The Rwandan Genocide, Kagame’s rise and Rwanda/Uganda’s invasion of Congo (5 million deaths). It focuses on the roles of foreign actors, including Canada, and their motives. Were they truly motivated by the enlightened Idealism they professed or by the dark Realism described by Joseph Conrad, “It was just robbery with violence, aggravated murder on a great scale”? This session quotes from "Heart of Darkness" to illustrate the continuity of Realism in Imperial policy from Leopold to the present and challenges many of our most cherished historical myths including our ‘Peacekeeping’ missions … “What redeems it is the idea only” (Conrad). Boutros-Ghali and others describe how UN Peacekeepers were misused by our Anglo-American Alliance for control in Congo and Rwanda. We also explore the implications of this history for Social Studies Curricula.

Speakers

Greg Hunter

Social Studies

What Really Happened in Congo mp3

What Really Happened in Congo pdf

Thursday February 18, 2021 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
CATCA Virtual Room 061

Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Social Studies (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)

12:30pm MST

How to teach humour for stress relief, life skills and fun

This workshop is an informative and interactive session discussing the place of humour in your classroom. Susan has “lived” humour in her own classroom and has developed actual humour lessons suitable for the grade eight (and up) level. She will discuss how humour works in the classroom and how to solve and resolve problems through humour. This will spill over to the staffroom as well.
After participating in this workshop, teachers will:
• Be able to discuss humour with their students
• Teach a unit about humour to Grade eight (and up) students
• Encourage students to bring out their “inner comic” by developing a funny story about themselves.

Speakers

Susan Carter

How to Teach Humour for Stress Relief, Life Skills and Fun

Susan Carter holds a B.Ed. from the University of Regina and has taught in four provinces. In 1993 she decided to act upon a long-time dream of doing standup comedy! Susan shows you how to deal with all the changes involved in our teaching world with a laugh. Creative coping ideas... Read More →

Thursday February 18, 2021 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
CATCA Virtual Room 066

Drama & Dance (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Health and Wellness (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

2:15pm MST

Creative Writing to Cope with Stress and Build Resiliency *PRE-RECORDED*

Learn creative ways to engage students struggling with anxiety and other mental health challenges, particularly during the pandemic, utilizing the empowering and healing capacities of writing. Creative writing exercises will be presented in both fiction and non-fiction as tools for personal reflection and betterment. Participants will leave having tried these writing exercises themselves and be equipped to apply them in the compassionate support of students in their schools and communities.

Stress and mental health are critical topics in our busy world wracked with pandemic fear and other challenges. Educators who know how to find peace and resiliency in themselves will be better equipped to support students to achieving the same. Creativity and writing are amazing tools to unlock negative emotions, confront unhealthy patterns of behavior and thinking, and become wholehearted and joyful people.

Participants should come prepared to write with paper, a pen or pencil, or a computer.

Speakers

Jaclyn Chute

Registered Dietitian, Teach Nutrition by Dairy Farmers of Canada's Registered Dietitians

Jaclyn Chute (RD, M.Ed.) is part of Dairy Farmers of Canada’s Alberta Teach Nutrition team that works collaboratively with educators, teachers, and community stakeholders to create engaging and impactful nutrition resources from early learning in child care to grade 12. Teach Nutrition... Read More →

Thursday February 18, 2021 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
Online (Pre-Recording)

Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Counselling & Student Support (TQS/LQS 4), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Health and Wellness (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

2:15pm MST

Covid Safe Drama Games

Zany drama games you can play online and at a distance! This hands-on, interactive session will feature tons of games that invite connection, physicalization and playfulness into your classroom in the time of social distancing. Together we will explore ways to cultivate play while maintaining distance and examine how the constraints of a virtual & distanced environment can become part of the game.

Speakers

Jacqueline Russell

Director, Performer, Arts Educator

Jacqueline (BFA, MFA) specializes in clown, mask, immersive theatre creation and theatre for young audiences. She was the Artistic Producer of Handsome Alice Theatre from 2011-2015, the 2013-14 RBC Emerging Director at Lunchbox Theatre and the Artistic Producer for Evergreen Theatre... Read More →

Thursday February 18, 2021 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
CATCA Virtual Room 062

Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Health and Wellness (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Drama & Dance (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

2:15pm MST

Elves, Orcs, Hobbits and the Meaning of Life According to J.R.R. Tolkien: A Theological Investigation of Middle Earth *PRE-RECORDED*

The enigmatic and obscure Oxford philologist, J.R.R. Tolkien produced a corpus of writings on the world of Middle Earth that has captivated countless readers. The cinematic renderings of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit has further popularized his works, yet readers and viewers alike are often surprised at the profound impression Tolkien’s Catholic faith has made upon his writings. C.S. Lewis, a close friend and associate whose encouragement was necessary for Tolkien to publish, wove Christian themes within his works via allegory. Tolkien, on the other hand, chose a much different and more sophisticated approach in creating the drama of the Rings of Power. This talk offers educators of Literature and Religion insight into the life and works of Tolkien and the undercurrents within thought—and how these can be made accessible to students in the classroom.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE VIDEO

Speakers

Dr. Gerard McLarney

Teacher, Elk Island Catholic Schools

Dr. McLarney teaches at St. Isidore Learning Center in Sherwood Park, AB., and serves as a sessional instructor at St. Joseph's College, University of Alberta. His academic interests include Religious Education, World Religions, J.R.R. Tolkien, as well as Sacred Scripture and Myt... Read More →

Thursday February 18, 2021 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
Online (Pre-Recording)

Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Religious & Moral Education (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)

2:15pm MST

Amplifying Stories Using Data Science

The history of storytelling goes back to the time of sitting around a campfire telling stories. Although oral storytelling is becoming more apparent in the classroom, using data, numbers, patterns, and coding to tell a story is still emerging - yet is an essential skill in communication meaning in our current world. Data science, and data journalism, involve finding and telling stories using data sets. In this (panel discussion or session) we will look at how students can use data and visualizations to write nonfiction in English language arts and social studies. We'll also discuss open science and ethical issues around uses of data.

Enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card by completing an optional Callysto feedback survey (http://bit.ly/callysto-feedback) after attending this session!

Speakers

Verena Roberts

Ethics in Data Science, Cybera

Verena Roberts is an Adjunct Asst Prof with the University of Calgary, Werklund School of Education and is working as an Educational Specialist with the Callysto team.

Thursday February 18, 2021 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
CATCA Virtual Room 059

Social Studies (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Diversity, Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Equity & Human Rights (TQS/LQS 4), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)

9:00am MST

Unpacking Poverty: Exploring Social Studies Through and Arts-based Lens*PRE-RECORDED*

Patricia Jagger in collaboration with the Aspen Foundation for Labour Education. The resource explores issues relating to equity and poverty while underscoring cross-curricular and competency-based approaches. This session will engage participants in an exploration of related topics while providing strategies for classroom implementation. An emphasis on integrating arts-based teaching and learning provides opportunities for creative expression through project-based activities for learners of all ages and abilities.

Speakers

Barbara L Maheu

writer, The Aspen foundation for Labour Education

Barb Maheu, a social studies and drama teacher, currently develops units and lessons for the Aspen Foundation for Labour Education. She worked as an executive staff officer in professional development for the Alberta Teachers' Association. She has developed and delivered resources... Read More →

Friday February 19, 2021 9:00am - 10:15am MST
Online (Pre-Recording)

Diversity, Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Equity & Human Rights (TQS/LQS 4), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Social Studies (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)

9:00am MST

Laugh Out Loud Literary Devices

We all know the serious side of creative writing, but what about the lighter side of the literary arts? This workshop will hit the funny bone of disengaged students with laugh out loud examples of personification, simile, metaphor, hyperbole, and more! Add in some activities that allow students to practice these devices, and get ready to see some beautiful and hilarious results. Regardless of the outcome, it will be seriously good writing!

Speakers

Miranda Krogstad

Presenter / Content creator, YYSpeak

Miranda Krogstad is a spoken word poet and educator who uses her words to empower students of all ages and walks of life. Teaching life skills including self-confidence, self-expression, and community-building, she has performed workshops in dozens of cities across Western Canada... Read More →

Friday February 19, 2021 9:00am - 10:15am MST
CATCA Virtual Room 061

Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

9:00am MST

Love of Reading in Middle/High School

This session will introduce you to a variety of tips and tricks to help your students develop a love of reading. Prepare yourself for a variety of book talks, classroom strategies, and more! Attendees will leave with new ideas they can implement in their classroom next week.

Speakers

Bailey Almberg

English Language Arts Council

Bailey is a Literacy Coordinator at Prairie Land Schools in East Central Alberta. In her role, she has the pleasure of working side-by-side with educators, solving tricky problems and developing engaging and authentic learning opportunities for their students. She's a lover of good... Read More →

Kelsey Graham

English Language Arts Council

Kelsey is a middle school teacher in central Alberta. She is passionate about engaging students in reading and writing through diverse texts and a literacy-rich classroom.

Friday February 19, 2021 9:00am - 10:15am MST
CATCA Virtual Room 071

Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6)

10:45am MST

School and Author-Artist Collaborations In the Time of COVID *PRE-RECORDED*

Join award-winning artist, bestselling author, and education advocate Alexis Marie Chute as she shares her round-up of ideas for schools looking for ways to collaborate with artists and writers in their community while maintaining COVID protocols. She discusses project ideas, virtual residencies, cooperative exhibitions, tech options, and multi-disciplinary art incubators. This program emphasizes the importance of collaboration and new ways of looking at programming in the time of COVID. Participants will have the opportunity ask Chute for her author-artist perspective in regards to cooperative ideas for school-community engagement. Group brainstorming will round out the discussion.

The round-up will include art, tech, writing, and cross curricular ideas. The session will also address practical concerns such as safety, funding, and timeline considerations, as well as ways to discover and connect with community creatives.

Speakers

Jaclyn Chute

Registered Dietitian, Teach Nutrition by Dairy Farmers of Canada's Registered Dietitians

Friday February 19, 2021 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
Online (Pre-Recording)

Art (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3)

10:45am MST

Writing that Stirs the Heart *PRE-RECORDED*

In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to use creative writing in two important ways. First, as an introspective, self-care tool to mend, strengthen and restore joy to the writer’s heart. See how words can foster a renewed sense of peace, passion and purpose. Secondly, how to craft stronger writing, tell captivating stories, and communicate powerfully to move the hearts of readers. Writing styles of focus include: free writing, memoir, poetry, and fiction.
Participants should come prepared to write alongside presenter and award-winning author and artist Alexis Marie Chute. She will teach participants how to approach any artistic endeavor with mindfulness and freedom.
The writing styles presented—free writing, memoir, poetry, and fiction—will be discussed for their potential for personal expression, self-discovery, reflection, and as vehicles to share experiences with others and tell meaningful stories. Chute will introduce each style and outline how-to’s to ensure a positive writing experience. She will share how she used writing in her own personal journey, her struggle with depression, and the loss of her son, Zachary—as well as the breakthroughs that she experienced.
This workshop will be spent learning and writing as participants are given time to try each of the writing styles in guided exercises, as well as share their work.

Speakers

Jaclyn Chute

Registered Dietitian, Teach Nutrition by Dairy Farmers of Canada's Registered Dietitians

Friday February 19, 2021 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
Online (Pre-Recording)

Health and Wellness (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6) | Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6)

10:45am MST

Lyrical Lessons: Using Music In Language Arts

Taking a look at music you may have heard a hundred times but never really listened to, this workshop will dive deeper into the meaning behind the melodies. Using hits through the ages, Analyzing the different strategies we can learn from these timeless tunes, we will discuss techniques and examples to teach poetry, creative writing, and literary devices. Whether we’re looking at enduring classics or present-day pop hits, this workshop will give you an arsenal of toe-tapping material to pull the students into the literary arts!

Speakers

Miranda Krogstad

Presenter / Content creator, YYSpeak

Friday February 19, 2021 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
CATCA Virtual Room 061

Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

12:30pm MST

Role-Playing Games in the Classroom *PRE-RECORDED*

Interested in Role-playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons or Shadowrun? Want to bring these types of games into the classroom? For the past two years I have been running a Dungeon and Dragons inspired adventure in my Grade 5 classroom. This won't just talk about the "WHY" you should bring this into the classroom, but also, the "HOW". I'll take you through my failures, successes, changes I would make, scheduling, etc. Whether you have been playing these games for years, or have never played a session before in your life, hopefully you can use this information to take back to your classroom!

Speakers

Brant Driedger

Elk Island Catholic Separate Regional Division

Grade 5-8 Teacher at Elk Island Catholic Schools.

Friday February 19, 2021 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
Online (Pre-Recording)

Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6) | Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6)

12:30pm MST

Speak Up: Performance Activities to Build Your Students’ Confidence

Particularly in adolescence, students may have brilliant ideas, but a plethora of emotions and social anxieties preventing them from sharing. To encourage speaking up in any class, this workshop will give you some warm-up activities and techniques that will help your students tiptoe towards the front of the class, increasing comfort and community. From audience engagement exercises to performance games, you'll find an arsenal of activities to slowly ease your students out of their shell in whatever way feels best!

Speakers

Miranda Krogstad

Presenter / Content creator, YYSpeak

Friday February 19, 2021 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
CATCA Virtual Room 061

Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Drama & Dance (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

12:30pm MST

Winter is a Time for Stories

When the snow covers the ground it is a time for stories. Why is it important to tell stories while the snow is on the ground? Learn about all the ways we can tell stories. Think about how you can bring the power of storytelling into your classroom.
Join in this session as we learn about traditional oral storytelling, exploring the use of Indigenous literature in elementary and secondary, stories of resilience, and information that supports foundational knowledge of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

Speakers

Phillip Campiou

Knowledge Keeper, Elder

Friday February 19, 2021 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
CATCA Virtual Room 071

Language Arts (TQS 3), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Indigenous Education (TQS/LQS 5), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3)

12:30pm MST

Drama in the Classroom

This will be a fun, hands-on workshop so be prepared to play!
Using theatre games, speech exercises, movement and text, this hands-on workshop will focus on implementing drama activities into your classroom to enhance Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies and more.
This session will address the cognitive and social benefits in incorporating drama into your lessons and will spark lots of creative ideas for your classroom.

Speakers

Tracy Carroll

Tracy Carroll is a director, dramaturg, teacher and producer in Edmonton, and is the Interim Managing Director at Catalyst Theatre.She has held leadership positions at theatres in the region including Co-Artistic Director at Concrete Theatre, Artistic Associate for Alberta Playwrights... Read More →

Ext DramaClass Poster 2021 summer pdf

Concrete Theatre 2021 Info pdf

Drama in the classroom handout:21 long pdf

Friday February 19, 2021 12:30pm - 3:30pm MST
CATCA Virtual Room 057

Inclusive Education (TQS/LQS 4), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Drama & Dance (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3)

2:15pm MST

Teaching Students to Write Cool Characters, Superheroes, and Themselves with Bestselling Author Alexis Marie Chute *PRE-RECORDED*

Come prepared to write in this fun and freeing creative writing workshop. You will learn how to ignite your mind and fuel your imagination—and lead your students to do the same. Learn about and try:
- Free writing
- The hero’s journey
- Creating cool characters
- Writing about meaningful events in your life
- Writing from new perspectives
- Crafting new worlds in fictional stories

The inspirational teaching and writing time will open you up to new ways of looking at the world and at your own experiences. You’ll learn new methods to express yourself, get inspired, and have a blast. You’ll also come away with tools to help release stress that are healthy and empowering. Positive expressions of the mental health journey will be explored. Put these writing styles and exercises to the test—then bring them back to your classrooms.

The pandemic has changed everyone’s lives around the world. Educators and students alike are facing new challenges and feelings as a result. This session will give you a creative outlet and help you take your creative writing—and the writing of your students—to the next level.

All you will need to participate is a willingness to explore creativity of writing, a pen or pencil and paper, or a computer.

Speakers

Jaclyn Chute

Registered Dietitian, Teach Nutrition by Dairy Farmers of Canada's Registered Dietitians

Friday February 19, 2021 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
Online (Pre-Recording)

Health and Wellness (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6) | Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6)

2:15pm MST

Write On: Hands-On Activities To Get Your Students Going

While many students have the ability to create Pullitzer-worthy pieces, getting pen to paper can be somewhat of a challenge. Especially in youth, where inhibitions and insecurities are at an all-time high, putting ourselves out there creatively can be daunting. Using a series of prompts and games, however, this workshop will take some of the pressure off of the blank page. Giving students an “in” regardless of their abilities and interest, we will try some hands-on activities that will get the ink flowing from even your most reluctant writers!

Speakers

Miranda Krogstad

Presenter / Content creator, YYSpeak

Friday February 19, 2021 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
CATCA Virtual Room 061

Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)

2:15pm MST

Writer's Notebooks in the ELA Classroom *PRE-RECORDED*

Writer's notebooks are a place where students can record thoughts, questions, epiphanies, practice with mentor texts and so much more. This session with look at how to use notebooks to engage students and encourage risk taking. It will also provide direction as to how it can be a useful tool for summative assessment that can transform into a variety of polished pieces that can be used summatively.

Speakers

Angela Contrada

English Language Arts/Religious and Moral Education Council

Angela Contrada has been a passionate educator for eighteen years and is currently the ELA coordinating teacher at All Saints High School in Calgary. Her work extends outside the classroom in her executive member role with the English Language Arts Council where she facilitates PD... Read More →

Friday February 19, 2021 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
Online (Pre-Recording)

Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)

2:15pm MST

Compose Yourself: Writing and Identity

Writing stories is not just for writers. Stories not only help us understand others, they help us understand ourselves. Stories help students create their identities as they write their views of the world into existence. Through story, students can examine their cultural heritage and create their own hero’s journey. Join author Lois Donovan for an insightful and inspirational exploration of writing stories that matter, by kids that matter. Session includes practical writing activities that will fit easily into Humanities curriculum. Q & A to conclude session.

Speakers

Lois Donovan

author

A former teacher, Lois is the author of time-travel historical fiction novels, Winds of L’Acadie and The Journal. She has recently sent her debut contemporary teen novel (repped by StaceyKondla) out into the world to find a home. Lois loves sharing her passion for all things literary... Read More →

Friday February 19, 2021 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
CATCA Virtual Room 074

Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Social Studies (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)