Atlantic Books in Classrooms (ABC) FAQ and How-to

Atlantic Books’ ABC collection contains over 1000+ quality Atlantic Canadian books for teachers to discover, and a number of tools to search and filter the database.

This is a database for all Atlantic Canadian teachers, so there are a number of ways that teachers can search to find the right books for their classrooms. There are publisher-supplied tags for recommended age and grade range, curriculum subject, language, and equity, diversity, and inclusion. Teachers can also search by provincial authorization lists where Departments of Education have listed approved learning resources for the province and can even search by provincially authorized grade and curriculum subject where applicable (e.g. Nova Scotia School Book Bureau).

Written Instructions:

• Because of the number of search filters, you will need to use a desktop browser (rather than a mobile phone browser) for the best experience

• Start with “Clear Filters.” Even if you haven’t selected anything yet, this is a good practice to start with, in case your web browser saves filters for future sessions.

Tip: If something isn’t working, or you don’t see the results you expect, use the “Clear Filters” checkbox anytime. If previous filters are still checked, they may be affecting your results. We also recommend you use the “Clear Filters” checkbox every so often, even if you don’t think any filters are selected, to refresh and ensure you are getting the results you’re looking for.

• Expand the categories on the left-hand side bar by using the plus signs

Adding search filters within a single category, like grade range, selecting multiple options will add to your search results. For instance, selecting grades 4, 5, 6 will show you books for grade 4, 5, or 6.

Adding search filters between categories, like grade range and curriculum subject, will narrow your search. For instance, selecting grade 5 and English Language Arts will only show you books with both tags.

FAQ:

I’m a teacher in Nova Scotia. How do I find Nova Scotia School Book Bureau Authorized Learning Resources (ALR)?

The database is for all Atlantic Canadian teachers, so it is not limited to NSSBB ALR but can be used to search for these. On the left-hand menu, expand the category titled “Authorization” and then “Nova Scotia School Book Bureau”

How does the search functionality work?

Within a single category, like grade range, selecting multiple options will add to your search results. For instance, selecting grades 4, 5, 6 will show you books for grade 4, 5, or 6.

Between categories, like grade range and curriculum subject, you’ll narrow your search. For instance, selecting grade 5 and English Language Arts will only show you books with both tags.

What if the filters stop working?

The “Clear Filters” button will refresh everything and allow you to start over. Use it anytime you think the database needs a reset. For instance, if you are selecting new filters but not seeing a change in results, or if you’re selecting a category but aren’t seeing any results.

How do I access samples, excerpts, and teaching guides?

If publishers have provided guides or samples in their book data, those will be shown with clickable links on the book page under the heading “K-12 Teacher Information” or “Samples, Excerpts, and Guides.”

Submit a question or get in touch: store@abena-beloved-green

Full tutorial video (10 minutes)