In the Loop - December 11, 2025
KEY RESOURCES IN LANGLEY
- Guide to Key Websites and Resources: Here
- Instructional Services Website: For all your district-vetted resources K-12! Check it out!
- Aboriginal Resources vetted by the District: Here
- TCS Sites: Key resources are still being placed in these Teams. If you need access to one of these Teams, please email dzurbuchenjonker@sd35.bc.ca.
- TCS SS-Grade 3
- TCS Grade 4-8
- TCS Secondary
DISTRICT LEARNING COMMONS
The DLC is your one stop shop for useful resources to enhance your teaching available to all school staff in the Langley School District. You don’t need to buy everything for all of your lessons yourself! We deliver and pick up all the items you request through district mail twice per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays). Links to all the info below:
- View and book online through Insignia Library system | Here
- Find instructions, an area to check out new resources, request new resources and report lost or damages kits | Here
- Sign out instructions | Here
Featured DLC Resource:
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
*NEW!* Follow us on our UDL/Mentorship Instagram! @sd35mentorshipmoments
We post lots of events, teacher tips, UDL strategies, and more!
Interested in Becoming a Mentor?
We need mentors at all grade levels but especially primary (1-3), middle (6-7), and Resource. We are looking for experienced teachers with five or more years in the profession to support and guide newer educators as they transition into their roles. Please fill out the Mentor Information Sheet on the LTA website.Once completed, please email it to teachermentorship@sd35.bc.ca to join our program!
New to the District or a New Role?
If you’re a newer teacher looking for mentorship, please fill out the Mentee Information Sheet on the LTA website. Once completed, please email it to teachermentorship@sd35.bc.ca to join our program!
Upcoming Events:
Last chance to register for Book Club! | Register
We will be starting our Book Club on the Valley of the Birdtail: An Indian Reserve, a White Town, and the Road to Reconciliation. We will have the first meeting in person at the School Board Office, the second and third meetings online, and the final celebration/wrap up meeting at the School Board Office.
1) January 27, 2026: 4-6pm SBO HUB - dinner provided
2) February 24, 2026: 4-5pm TEAMS
3) April 14, 2026: 4-5pm TEAMS
4) May 5, 2026: 4-6pm SBO HUB - dinner provided
HONOURING TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
4 Seasons of Reconciliation | UBC | More info
Learning journeys often begin with a single step, and “4 Seasons of Reconciliation” offers system education leaders that step through a free, accessible e-learning program created by the First Nations University of Canada and Reconciliation Education. Available in English or French, the course provides three hours of flexible learning on residential schools, Indigenous relations, economic reconciliation, and the future of reconciliation. Participants may complete modules in any order and will receive a certificate upon finishing all modules and a final quiz. By engaging with this resource, participants can deepen their understanding of truth and reconciliation and strengthen the relationships that shape learning communities across Canada.
DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Career Spotlight – Trades: Construction, Piping/Plumbing and Trasportation | On-Demand Learning Feature
Learn about different careers in the Trades industry! Presenters include members from various trades backgrounds. Listen to speakers as they talk about their occupation/role in the Trades industry as well as their career journeys.
Save the Date: Odyssey 2026 | February 9, 2026
EXTERNAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
It’s a practical, hopeful roadmap for helping them care again.
Evidence Aligned Literacy Practices Micro-Credential Program | UVIC | Program starts in January | More info
In January the University of Victoria is offering in-service teacher education through the Division of Continuing Studies. In particular they are offering a new micro-credential program that’s designed for BC teachers who are interested in literacy success for all students. The Evidence Aligned Literacy Practices program is tied to the MECC Early Literacy Initiative and was developed in response to the provincial focus on evidence-aligned screening, instruction, and intervention. Please check out the "More info" link above.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF/STUDENTS/CLASSES
December News from Royal BC Museum | Contact: groups@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
- Guided Learning Labs | 60 minutes | In-person | $150-200 per program | More info
The Guided Learning Labs are interactive opportunities to explore the museum’s galleries in depth. Led by a museum educator, each Lab aligns with your curriculum while enhancing the learning experience. Labs include focused time in the galleries and hands-on engagement. They are available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. - Investigating Insects: Digital Field Trip | 30 minutes | $75 Designed for Grades 3-5 | Book Now
Get up close and personal with insects in this hands-on program! Students explore insect specimens from the Royal BC Museum collections, investigating body parts, behaviours, and habitats. Through observation, movement, and interactive activities, students practice curiosity and critical thinking while discovering the fascinating world of insects. This program connects directly to the BC curriculum while delivering big ideas. Available Wednesdays and Thursdays. - Archives and Democracy: online session | February 4, 2026 | 40 minutes | Free | Register
Explore the vital role of archives in a democracy! Students join a Royal BC Museum archivist to investigate primary sources such as voter lists and government records. Through this interactive program, they examine who was included in the democratic process in the past, who was excluded, and how archival records help citizens hold governments accountable.
Your Student's Potential is Priceless | Shad 2026 | Apply Now | Financial Support | Entrance Scholarships
If your students are ready to learn, create, and connect this summer at Shad2026, we’re ready to help them get there. Financial support is available so curious minds can join the adventure - regardless of financial circumstances. Shad also has Entrance Scholarships that are designed to support and inspire youth from all backgrounds to bring their curiosity, creativity, and leadership to STEAM. Whether they have a strong track record in community changemaking, represent Black, Indigenous, Métis, or other underrepresented communities, or come from Alberta, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario or PEI, there are full and partial scholarships available.
Educational Programs Available for Classes | Junior Achievement BC | High School Program | JA Program Grade Match | Register
JA programs help youth prepare for the jobs of the future, develop financial independence, and cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset. If you’re already hosting Junior Achievement programs, thank you for supporting the mission to empower youth. If not, we invite you to try these life-changing sessions for your students.
Why JA Programs?
- Aligned with the BC curriculum
- Flexible delivery – no extra work for educators
- Materials, presentations, and student handbooks provided at no cost
- Students receive a certificate upon completion
Steps to enroll:
- Visit the website at the "Register" link above
- Choose the right program from the menu: High School Program or Grade Match at link above
- The Program Manager will get in touch to provide resources and training if needed
BC Heritage Week | February 16-22, 2026 | More info | Register
BC Heritage Week is a province-wide celebration held each year during the third week of February. It is an open invitation for British Columbians to share stories and experience heritage in their communities and it offers great opportunities for students to explore local history, culture, and the everyday heritage that surrounds them!
In 2026, BC Heritage Week will take place from February 16–22, and this year’s theme, Stir the Pot, explores food as heritage and its power to connect culture, family, memory, and community. Participation can be as simple as a classroom conversation or as involved as a school-wide display or community event. Every activity helps students make meaningful connections to heritage and understand the diverse cultures and stories that shape BC.
- Explore this year’s theme and share the link at the "More info" link above
- Plan and register a Heritage Week activity between Feb 16–22, 2026. (Link above)
- Invite students to explore local history through storytelling, mapping, recipes, or family traditions
- Follow and share learning moments using @bcheritageweek and #BCHeritageWeek
Try-Tech & Trades | University of the Fraser Valley | February 26, 2026 | More info to come in January
The annual Try-Tech & Trades event will take place on Thursday, February 26, 2026, alongside the Regional Skills Competition and the UFV Chilliwack (CEP) Open House.
Try-a-Trade runs from 8:50 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. where Grade 9 students from various secondary schools arrive throughout the morning and early afternoon. It takes approximately 60–90 minutes to complete all stations. Students, along with their teachers, chaperones, or student mentors, move through the space in an organized rotation and get hands-on experience at several stations, including:
- Architectural Drafting
- Autobody Collision & Repair
- Automation & Robotics
- Automotive Technician
- Carpentry
- Electrical
- Explore Trades
- Heavy Mechanical
- Plumbing
- Professional Cook
- Welding
High School Spring Break Creative Camps | March 16-24, 2026 | Vancouver Film School | More info
Creative Break features 2-day workshops led by experienced industry professionals in Film Production, Acting, Animation, Makeup Design, Sound Design, Digital Design, and Foundation Visual Art & Design. You’ll build your portfolio, get a taste of Vancouver Film School’s industry-leading creative programs, and discover how 1 short year of training at VFS launches your career in the creative industries.
BC Food Classroom Challenges | Ministry of Agriculture | Closing May 8, 2026 | More info
In partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation (BCAITC) has launched the BC Food Classroom Challenges, a fun, hands-on learning opportunity for K–7 classrooms throughout province. The challenge runs until May 8, 2026. There are 10 curriculum-linked challenges—from apple taste tests to mini greenhouses—where students explore B.C.’s local food systems through Science, Math, Applied Design, Skills, and Tech (ADST), Arts Education and more. Each completed challenge gives classes a chance to win a $500 agriculture field trip prize. Lesson guides, handouts and slides are provided to make participation easy and engaging. See link above.
LEARNING RESOURCES
Future Goals: Hockey Careers Beyond the Ice | Everfi K-12 Team | Sign in or Register
You're invited to try the brand new Future Goals course, sponsored by the NHL & NHLPA. Aligned to the National Career Clusters Framework, it fits the curriculum anywhere from STEM to finance. Lessons are recommended for 6-9th grade. Log in or Register for an Everfi account. In four 20-minute lessons, students will:
- Explore exciting careers in the sports industry
- Develop soft skills & business intelligence
- Learn the finances of a professional team
- Increase fan engagement through social media
- Support player performance
At Education+, you’ll find free classroom resources to spark learning and connection. Each month, they share practical tools and inspiration in your inbox:
- SEL and future-readiness programming
- Classroom Clips your students will love
- PD videos designed to support your mission
- Grants to fund big ideas
Science and Nature Units | Vancouver Avian Research Centre (VARC) | More info
The Vancouver Avian Research Centre has ready to use resources for classrooms. They have downloadable complete lesson plans, presentations, and activities on Science and Nature. The activities are ideal for Kindergarten to Grade 8. See link above and scroll to the bottom to find the different grades with links.
Holiday Highlights: Cultural Celebrations & Winter Wonders | More info
Curio is a free resource filled with excellent educational videos on a wide variety of topics and subject areas and all grade levels. As we approach December, give your students a break and keep the learning alive with our seasonal videos. Explore the rich history and traditions of Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas and other festive moments, alongside fascinating videos on winter phenomena. Dive in for the cultural perspectives and stay for the fun!
The Citizenship Challenge | Historica Canada | Take the Quiz | Sign Up
Inspire your students to explore what it means to be an active and informed Canadian! The Citizenship Challenge invites learners to test their knowledge using an interactive quiz based on the official citizenship study guide. It's a fun an engaging way to build civic understanding, spark meaningful classroom discussion, empower the next generation of thoughtful citizens. In addition to the main challenge, Historica Canada offers dozens of curriculum themed quizzes on topics ranging from Canadian geography to Canadian military history. Teachers can now sign up directly to receive classroom resources and programs by signing up to the mailing list at the link above.
- Video Game Verbs (Grades 4 to 8)
In this lesson, students learn that video games are unlike other media because they are interactive, allowing players to do things and make choices. They then explore the idea of affordances and defaults by considering the “video game verbs” that different games allow you to do. - Editing Emotions (Grades 5 to 9)
In this lesson, students learn about the history of film editing and how shot composition, juxtaposition of images and the use of rhythm and repetition in film editing can affect the emotional impact of a film.
PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL READINGS
What teachers need to know about sentence comprehension | Article
This is a great article on Sentence Comprehension for classroom teachers from Tim Shanahan, who is a guru in the literacy world. He always writes in a very practical, strategy-focused way. if you want less of the research and more of the practical applications and recommendations you can apply in your classroom, skip through to the end and read the "My Advice to Teachers" section The hyper link to Syntactic Awareness has some great strategies for teaching an understanding of sentence structure as well.