Jason Himsl (he/him/his)

The discussion in the post here was Interesting, particularly the points around a conflict of interest.

I'm struck, though, that there would seem to be value in children developing a fuller understanding of the world around them, particularly the things we tend to take for granted.

I'd love to hear your thoughts about it when you finish.

I like the idea a lot. Ontario English curricula are quite indifferent to the content you explore with students - go for it!

Believe it or not, the 15th anniversary of 99% Invisible is coming up, and we want to hear from you! Have a burning question for Roman or something you've always wanted to know about the show?

Into the FOLD: A Books and Lit Fest Podcast - YouTube Into the FOLD: A Books and Lit Fest podcast is hosted by authors Jael Richardson and Hudson Lin. Guided by Richardson and Lin’s inquisitive natures, love of ...

Check out Season 1 of the FOLD's Into the FOLD Podcast on YouTube. Enjoy all seven episodes and be sure to follow us on YouTube or wherever you listed to podcasts before Season 2 begins. youtube.com/playlist?lis...

These have been great. I particularly enjoyed the update about Scott last week (a story that remains my favourite podcast episode *ever*).

I'm feverishly awaiting the new Heavyweight content.

The data are fascinating, but what kind of maniac puts the higher number on the left?

Have you seen this petition yet? Save Heydon Park Secondary School for young women, transgender & non-binary students!

I don't have the reach here that I had in The Other Place, but the TDSB is moving towards shutting down Heydon Park, the board's only school for girls (inclusive of Trans and non-binary) with special education needs. This place saves lives. Please sign the petition.
chng.it/w4HqSDpHK6

Thinking about you: @stacieoliver.bsky.social @mrshackett305.bsky.social @senior126.bsky.social @georgejaneteas.bsky.social @paula-nevins.bsky.social @rebekahodell1.bsky.social @m-mabrucco.bsky.social @amlongpre.bsky.social @jpedrech.bsky.social @theresameikle.bsky.social @angelastockman.bsky.social

This is just about a perfect collection of personal essay #MentorTexts - a *wide* variety of topics from authors who are diverse in just about every way imaginable. Great work from @theguardian.com. #EduSky www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...

Our entry for 'hyperbole' is probably the greatest thing ever written in the English language.

I love this approach. It's important to remember that English is both a discipline *and* a subject that every student has to take. If literacy and critical thinking skills are ultimately what we want students to learn, it we should be a lot more flexible about the content we share with students.

From Superheroes to Taylor Swift: Using Students’ Passions to Ignite Learning By inviting students to dissect the texts they love—from music lyrics to horror films—teachers are unlocking deeper engagement and critical literacy skills.

How can Frank Ocean and Grey’s Anatomy strengthen students’ engagement *and* literacy skills? ✍️

Teachers across the country are finding that tapping into students’ devotion for pop culture, fan fiction, and music can be powerful tools for teaching core ELA skills.

#ITeachEnglish #EduSky

He’s Blind. He Plays Video Games. Here’s How That Works Ross Minor lost his eyesight at 8 years old. Today, he’s a hardcore gamer who runs YouTube and Twitch channels and consults for big studios. This is not—necessarily—an inspirational story.

Ross Minor lost his eyesight at 8 years old. Today, he’s a hardcore gamer who runs YouTube and Twitch channels and consults for big studios. This is not—necessarily—an inspirational story. www.wired.com/story/ross-m...

The 'kin' of ‘napkin’ means "little."

‘Nap’ comes from ‘nape,' which means “tablecloth.”

So a napkin is a little tablecloth.

10/10, no notes.

At this point, I would describe myself as a (blank) reader? With 16 adjectives to choose from.

Criteria for feedback. I track the character’s emotional journey related to specific moments in the text I synthesize information to draw conclusions about the character’s traits, motivations, conflict & growth I can determine thematic concepts and articulate a theme that the writer develops through the character My thinking is supported by specific evidence from the book

My hope is to become a (blank) reader because…

Started our book club unit this week and borrowed @marcusluther.bsky.social ‘s writing reflection idea adapted for reading. Where am I as a reader? What kind of reader do I hope to be?

‘Squirrelled,’ as in “squirrelled away,” can be pronounced “SKWERLD.”

‘Squirrelled’ has 11 letters, making it the longest one-syllable word in English.

Happy 10th anniversary to #FOLD2025! Congratulations to @jaelrichardson.bsky.social and the rest of the @thefoldcanada.bsky.social organizing team for putting together yet another excellent program.

I can't wait to be back in Brampton next year for year 11!

Documenting My Process Documenting My Process Your Name

So, I’m trying a thing. Students are revisiting a piece of writing from earlier in the semester, making revisions/edits, and documenting their process each work period. They’ll also create a brand new piece in a new text form. #iteachEnglish docs.google.com/presentation...

Lies I've Told My 3 Year Old Recently Trees talk to each other at night. All fish are named either Lorna or Jack. Before your eyeballs fall out from watching too much TV, they get very loose. Tiny bears live in drain pipes. If you are very very quiet you can hear the clouds rub against the sky. The moon and the sun had a fight a long time ago. Everyone knows at least one secret language. When nobody is looking, I can fly. We are all held together by invisible threads. Books get lonely too. Sadness can be eaten. I will always be there. - Raul Gutierrez

The ending on this, a gut punch.

Hear short story authors John Elizabeth Stintzi, Iryn Tushabe, and Shashi Bhat discuss the power of short but meaningful stories. Moderated by Jack Wang, this event celebrates 30 years of the Journey Prize.

7PM EST Trivia, panel to follow. Only on fold2025.vfairs.com #FOLD2025

Embracing the cringe when writing poetry helps you become more honest and critical of your work. Learn from artist and poet Daniel Maluka on how to own the awkwardness in this LUNCH N LEARN POETRY WORKSHOP.

Join us only on fold2025.vfairs.com #FOLD2025

Graphic of an author smiling for the camera, with a picture of her book cover beside her. The words INTERVIEW WITH KATE GIES is written above her in black and gold letters.

Join us soon for our interview with the FOLD's Writer-In-Residence, Kate Gies. Kate will share insights into her writing process, publishing journey, and more.

Visit fold2025.vfairs.com to watch #FOLD2025

word cloud of student responses to "I am a ______ reader"

Asked 100 HS juniors to answer this question honestly + this is what they said + this is definitely worth talking about, right?

[Graphic of three women smiling for the camera, with the words BUSINESS OF PUBLISHING above them written in black and gold lettering]

Today at 2:00 PM EST, listen as literary agents Carly Watters, Marin Takikawa, and editor Anita Chong share their insights into how the publishing industry has changed over the last 10 years and where the industry is headed into the next decade. #FOLD2025

Join us, only at: fold2025.vfairs.com

Graphic of a Black woman smiling, with cartoon pencil behind her. The words THE IMPACT OF AI ON PUBLISHING is written above her in gold and black letters

Curious about the impact of Artificial Intelligence on publishing? Want to know the implications of using this technology in writing? Lawyer and author Alicia Ellis navigates this here-to-stay technology in the workshop THE IMPACT OF A.I. ON PUBLISHING.

Join us: fold2025.vfairs.com #FOLD2025

🚨🚨BREAKING NEWS! Tickets went fast! These events have officially sold out (or will be soon) - but don’t worry! There’s still so much more to experience, from thought-provoking panels to hands-on workshops this year at #FOLD2025

[Graphic of three authors and their headshots accompanied by their book covers. The words SUCCESS IN SELF-PUBLISHING are written above them in black and gold letters.]

We're kicking off Day 2 of #FOLD2025 with SUCCES IN SELF-PUBLISHING. Join Alicia Ellis, Tao Wong, and Katia Rose as they engage in conversations around the self-publishing process, and how this shift with publishing has impacted their careers and the industry.

Visit fold2025.vfairs.com to watch:

Starting soon is our first Lunch n Learn Fiction Workshop: THE POWER OF IMAGERY. Hear author Denise Da Costa delve into the world of storytelling through the use of sensory details and vivid description.

Join us on fold2025.vfairs.com #FOLD2025

Words say "Canada Reads All Stars" and below are three headshots of authors participating in the event.

🚨Happening on vfairs AND YouTube🚨 #FOLD2025 Join FOLD Executive Director (and Canada Reads megafan!) Jael Richardson as she chats with these superstars on the impact that this competition has on their careers and how it affects CanLit.
YT: www.youtube.com/live/CJg8MWc...
VFAIRS: fold2025.vfairs.com