This week we wrap up our SES unit on occupations. An invitation was given to parents who would like to come speak with our class about the work that they do. I was honoured by so many who responded and who took the time to visit us and share with us their passions, their expertise, and skills. We had a…
One of the highlights of my week is midday on Friday – Reading Buddies. There is a sense of anticipation in the class leading up to this period, and a sense of joy and excitement when “the big kids” come to our class. Once the buddies get together, it is replaced with a deep sense of peace. As my colleague…
Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics! This is a cross-curricular, hands-on, task-based model of solving a problem using design! Students have a chance to use materials to think through how to use them in order to meet the need of the challenge. These projects allow the students to be the leaders–as it drives innovation! It prepares students to think like leaders…
The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is the “alert” system in the body. This is the one in charge when we face a stressful situation during learning, playing, or making overwhelming decisions. Situations causing stress may be positive or negative. When our SNS is in charge for too long we experience frustration, anxiety, anger, tiredness, and overstimulation. We need to activate our parasympathetic nervous…
Over the past few weeks in kindergarten our class has really enjoyed learning about measuring. It has been a really great opportunity for some hands-on practice. How many candles long is the desk? (26) How many feathers long is the carpet ? (37) I am thankful for these little hands that are learning so much.
As a school that enjoys a robust connection within its community, our primary focus at this time is the health and safety of the students that we serve. KCS is in regular communication with the KFL&A Public Health Unit, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, and Edvance Association of Christian Schools regarding recommendations and protocols around the outbreak…
One of the things I love about teaching grades 1 and 2 is that when things start getting serious…. the students have a way of reminding me not to bother. This was the case on our City Hall field trip, as I alluded to earlier. “It’s a dandelion! ” “It’s a pufferfish!” “It’s a disco ball!” (No, it’s the light…
“Student Vote is an authentic learning program that provides students with the opportunity to experience the voting process firsthand and practice the habits of active and informed citizenship.” (www.studentvote.ca) Throughout this unit, we learned about all levels of the Canadian government, and were able to ask questions from a special guest speaker, a Kingston counsellor. We also learned about…
We have had a wonderful time back in school! As we dip our feet into french before fully submerging into french language and culture, we have had a wonderful time learning french songs! It is such a joy seeing students excited to sing the french songs we have learnt even outside of our classroom.
Grade 1/2 students have been exploring “States of Matter”. We used our bodies as molecules to demonstrate how molecules make up a solid, liquid or gas. Our bodies moved close together as we became a molecule packed solid. We moved farther apart as we became liquid to experience how molecules flow and move more freely. When we became gas, students filled the…