FAQ’s About The Castle Oaks

Library Learning Commons &

The Lounge for STAFF

Who is our teacher librarian and how do we find out more about our library learning commons?

• Jennifer Brown (Jenn)
• Twitter @JennMacBrown

Library Social Media:

• Twitter @CastleOaksLLCs
• Instagram castleoaksllcs

How & when can my students sign out books?

• Students in all grades can visit the library in small groups or on their own to sign out books at any time during the instructional day.
• They will need to know their student number or bring it with them.
• ALL students can have 4 books signed out a time. The loan period is 2 weeks but they can come renew during any time we are open if they need it longer.
• The only time the library is CLOSED each day is the last period of the day. (There are some additional closures that arise but this is the only consistent one.)
• Classrooms educators are encouraged to create a structure in their own classroom communities for DAILY library access.
• Please do not assume your students can exchange books or access the printer on nutrition breaks - this devalues the instructional impact of a free flow LLC.
• The library should NEVER be used as a reward for completed classroom tasks or taken away as a consequence. All readers of all levels and social emotional needs should think of the LLC as a purposeful extension of their classroom learning environment.

What does our LLC/tech lounge offer other than books?

• Wide range of technology access
• Lego Wall creative play
• Loose Parts play and inquiry
• Small group collaboration areas
• Flexible seating options
• Whiteboard tables
• TV screens and more for viewing and sharing learning
• Makerspace learning experiences (Robots, Sewing, Paper crafting, Green Screen, Movie Making, Deconstruction, Coding, Minecraft, Construction etc.)
• SO MUCH MORE!!!

Where can I locate educator resources?

• The staff workroom in the library is yours to use at any time.
• The shelves at the back of this room house all educator resources (English & French).
• Please sign them out if bar coded.
• If you would like to suggest a resource for us to buy just let us know.

How can I find books to support curriculum inquiry in my classroom?

• Come visit, chat with your TL and explore the shelves!!!
• A link to our library catalogue can be found on your BYOD page or here http://cbo-lib-fe01.peelschools.org/uhtbin/cgisirsi/?ps=MK56iHPo3J/496/187801140/60/941/X (if you get a “timed out” message just click OK and find our school name on the list provided to reset)
• Download the the FREE BookMyne app for your phone or device and have access to our library catalogue from anywhere!
• Send Jenn an email with a list of books or topics - give a few days notice ideally and a collection of materials will be created for you! OR to speed up the process use the REQUEST FOR MATERIALS section of this website (found under the STAFF page)
• There is no limit to the number of books can sign out at a time.
• Don’t forget the PDSB Professional Library https://portal.peelschools.org/mydepartment/CISS/ProfessionalLibrary/Pages/default.aspx
• Don’t forget about the AWESOME Library E-resources accessible to ALL staff and students http://www.peelschools.org/students/library/Pages/default.aspx

How do I book time with the teacher librarian?

• Come visit and chat about your ideas, questions and wonderings.
• Use the online Castle Oaks Online Booking System website found here https://sites.google.com/a/pdsb.net/castle-oaks-online-booking-system/home
• Booking the LIBRARY space means you get Jenn. Please share your vision/ideas via email or in person prior to your actual visit. This way we can plan effective support for your students.
• Booking the LOUNGE space only means you are leading the learning on your own.
• If available feel free to book BOTH sides at the same time.

What is the The Lounge?

• The lounge is a multi-purpose collaborative learning environment.
• It offers a wide variety of technology (Apple computers, Ipads, Chromebooks, laptops, green screen and more)
• It also houses our maker materials and other learning tools.

How do I book time in The Lounge with my class?

• Use the online Castle Oaks Online Booking System website found here https://sites.google.com/a/pdsb.net/castle-oaks-online-booking-system/home
• Keep in mind that you are in charge of your own class when you book the lounge unless you have booked the library space as well and spoken to Jenn about how she can support your student learning.

What is OPEN LEARNING?

• During the first 3 years of Castle Oaks development and growth, we wanted to both embrace and further understand the "makerspace" movement and how it can inspire inquiry and student learning. As a result, Open Learning has evolved and continues to change each year.
• https://sites.google.com/a/pdsb.net/open-learning-in-the-library-learning-commons/

Open Learning is:

• an opportunity for students from all grades to freely explore, inquire and create in the library learning commons space
• completely student-driven for one 40 minute period when all the materials and technology will be available for your choice of learning opportunities
• dedicated to your own interests in makerspace, passion projects, genius hour, curiosity, discovery and self-regulation
• supervised by the teacher librarian.
• NOT intended for whole class visits.
• EVERY DAY Period 6