We are taking the learning outside!

With this beautiful weather, what better place to learn than outside!  While learning about objects and materials in Science, the grade 1 class repurposed some household materials to design, create and test birdfeeders.  We also practiced our observation skills using all of our senses as we quietly watched to see if we could catch some birds feasting of the generous amounts of birdseed we supplied in our birdfeeders in Silzer park behind the school.  We saw and heard many birds but didn’t catch any in the act  –

Baby Chicks visit the classroom!

Thanks Kim and Rickie Petersen for sharing your baby chicks with us this afternoon!

Barbara Reid inspired art!

I love Barbara Reid’s books and clay illustrations and so do the students!  We watched some instruction videos from Barbara Reid’s website  to learn some techniques then the students went to work!  The instructions were to create a summer tree using techniques we learned and choosing either a blue skied day or a rainy day.  Many students didn’t want to stop there though and added rainbows, apples, sunshine or the beginnings of an orange sunset. 

Check out our structures!

We are learning about objects and materials in grade 1 science.  The students love building and have many creative ideas!  They also worked really well together in teams to create these “towers.”  After building we reflected on the choice of building materials and how well it worked to build a tall or sturdy structure.  We look forward to more building projects!

Grade 1 Rockstars!

The students had a great idea to recreate our end of the day “Good-bye Song.”  We had a lot of fun finding instruments and performing and look forward to watching the videos!  Here are some pictures of the grade 1 rockstars!

Writing Riddles

As part of our Science Unit about Living Things, the grade 1 students partnered with grade 5 and 6 students for a research project.  The students chose an animal and did some internet research to find out where it lives, what it eats and other facts.  They then wrote a riddle about their animal.  You’ll have to stop in to the school to read the riddles posted in the hallway and see if you can guess the correct animal!

Outdoor Fun!

It’s been a long time since I posted but lots of learning and fun has occurred during that time!

This week with exams, we headed outside and to the rink to enjoy the beautiful weather and get some exercise while the gym was unavailable.  The kids and I had a great time building forts and sledding down the hill last Friday.  This past Tuesday, both experienced hockey and figure skaters and very new skaters seemed to have a good time on the ice when we went down to the rink for the afternoon. 

Inside Out

Today we had our first in a series of presentations from Psychologist, Carla Hildebrandt.  She talked to the students about two of their emotions, Joy and Sadness. We look forward to learning about more emotions and how to cope with them in upcoming presentations.

Classroom Pets

If you have a child in grade 1, you have likely heard about the hermit crabs in our classroom!  We are starting out our learning in Science class by making observations of these interesting animals using our senses.  These once shy pets have literally “come out of their shells” as they get used to 12 little bodies peering at them!  The highlight of week 1 for me was gathering around as these animals walked around the table in our classroom.

Safety

In grade 3 and 4 Health, students are learning about safety.  Each student chose an area of safety to research and has created a poster, brochure, or booklet to share what they learned.  Look at their finished products on the bulletin board in the hallway by the fish tank!

Here are some game websites the students can try out!

Safety in the Home

Home Safety Game

Electrical Safety

Danger Rangers

More art…

Check out these great works of art from Mossbank’s talented grade 1 and 2 students!

WE ARE SILENT

Can I personally stay silent for a full 24 hours?!  I am planning to try it on April 15th, with our WE Act group as we raise awareness for global issues of girls’ education and child labour.  I am looking forward to the challenge as well as the opportunity to learn more about these issues for myself.  See the SRC news page for more details.

Art Club!

Many students in grades 3 and up have been coming Tuesdays after school to an extra curricular art club! Check out the display of art in the school hallway and watch for some pictures to be posted here.  We have been having fun sculpting, painting, jewelry making and drawing so far!  Some students have also done improvisation games and skits.  I know a few students are looking forward to doing some air bands too! 

Blogging

The grade 5 and 6 class are going to try some Blogging as part of our writing class.  Check it out!

http://kidblog.org/Grade5and6Class/

Winter Art

I’m having a blast this year teaching grade 1 and 2 visual art.  Recently, students have been working on several different winter art projects focusing on the learning outcome: Create art works using a variety of visual art concepts, forms, and media. Some examples are posted below and you can see more posted in the hallway at school!

Healthy Exercise for grade 3&4

In 3/4 Health we are concluding the healthy eating, exercise, and immune system unit planned by Miss Gorham. We took students to the rink skating so they could apply their knowledge of an active lifestyle. They are now on their final project which includes tracking their eating and exercise habits as well as working towards a personal goal.
The outcomes covered in this unit are as follows:
1. Determine the role of a variety of healthy foods and physical activity on the health and development of the mind,

Robb Nash

The grade 7/8 students attended Robb Nash’s show in Assiniboia on Dec 5th.  Robb shared his own powerful story about deciding to be stronger than the pain in times of difficulty.  He shared stories of others’ he has met along his journey as well and we enjoyed his music and the messages he shares through song.  Check out his website for more information – http://robbnash.com/

Circle of Courage

In grade 3 and 4 health we have been focusing on the learning outcome about understanding “inner self”.   For this unit, students explored four quadrants of the Circle of Courage and learned about how Mastery, Independence, Generosity, and Belonging are important aspects in a healthy “inner self.”  My favourite activity of the unit was when students worked in teams to build the tallest tower they could.  Despite some towers tumbling over at the last minute,

Grade 7 and 8 Arts ED

The grade 7 and 8 students are finishing up our first art project which involved beatification of the school yard chain link fence.

Working with Miss Gorham

This fall I have the opportunity to work with Miss Gorham, an intern from the U of R.  Miss Gorham is working with Mrs. Rutko in grade 11/12 ELA and with me the rest of the time.  She brings with her enthusiasm, resourcefulness, and a passion for helping students.  Attending an internship seminar is a requirement of taking on an intern,  so Kourtney and I spent three days at Kenosee Lake at the end of September.