Play-Based Learning

The Show Must Go On…..

Velvet Lacasse
June 5, 2021
Engaging students with online learning, Integration, Play-Based Learning, Social Justice, The Arts
Comments

I was very disappointed to learn that we would not be returning to school in June. I am missing the students and their families. I feel isolated from my co-workers, and I am longing for the times when we would connect in the hallway and out in the yard. I do not love teaching on-line, […]

Buiding an Inclusive Playground

Velvet Lacasse
May 19, 2021
Anti-Racism, Assessment and Evaluation, Building Inclusion, Celebrating Success, Curriculum Planning, Differentiated Instruction, Equity, General, Inclusion, Indigenous Perspectives, Integration, Outdoor Learning, Play-Based Learning, Science, Social Justice, Teaching online
Comments

I am having a lot of fun learning how to center issues of disability justice and equity throughout the curriculum. Every week, during MSI (Math-Science Investigations) the Grade 2 students solve problems using a variety of building materials. As part of the Science curriculum, we are learning about Movement and Simple Machines. We started this […]

Point of View

Velvet Lacasse
May 1, 2021
Advocacy for change, Anti-bullying, COVID19, Curriculum Planning, Gender Equity, Inclusion, Indigenous Perspectives, Integration, Learning in a Real Life Context, Literacy, Media Literacy, Music, Play-Based Learning, Remote Learning, Social Justice, The Arts
Comments

This month, we are exploring different points of view through reading and writing a variety of texts. This “big idea” has many possibilities for critical thinking and cross-curricular integration with Media Literacy, Social Studies, Science, Visual Arts, Music and Drama. In my Grade 2 class, we have used point of view to explore issues of […]

Rejuvenation Through Creation

Michelle Fenn
March 29, 2021
Celebrating Success, Challenging Topics, Constant Learning, General, Inspiring Teachers, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Play-Based Learning, Teacher Appreciation, teacher efficacy, Teacher Wellness, The Arts, Wellbeing, Wellness, wellness, Women at Work, Women's Health
2 Comments

For me as a kid, there was no better feeling than opening up a new box of 64 Crayola crayons.  The big box with the flip top lid and the sharpener on the side.  I can remember agonizing over which colour to pick first and being so thrilled by the perfection of the colour palette […]

Celebrating Kindergarten

Melissa Turnbull
February 28, 2021
Celebrating Success, Kindergarten, Occasional Teaching, Play-Based Learning
1 Comment

This year, we celebrate 10 years of the Full Day Kindergarten program in Ontario.  While working on my undergraduate degree, I first learned of this program and I immediately fell in love with it. My trust and passion for this program have only grown stronger since. My knowledge and curiosity of play-based learning continue to […]

“The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind….”

Velvet Lacasse
December 13, 2020
Anti-Racism, Assessment and Evaluation, Celebrating Success, Curriculum Planning, Differentiated Instruction, Equity, Indigenous Perspectives, Inquiry, Media Literacy, Music, Outdoor Learning, Pedagogical Documentation, Play-Based Learning
Comments

This term, I had the honour of working with a Master of Arts student in Child Studies and Education, in his first teaching placement. Working in collaboration as a co-learner and co-teacher is a humbling experience. It is always a lot of work, but I appreciate the opportunity to reflect on my own practice, and […]

“Just” an Occasional Teacher

Melissa Turnbull
November 10, 2020
Constant Learning, COVID19, Diverse Learning Needs, Inclusion, Inquiry, Occasional Teachers, Play-Based Learning, Professional Learning and Growth, self reflection
5 Comments

Hello everyone! I am thrilled to announce that I will be joining the Heart and Art blogging team this school year. I look forward to time spent being passionately curious with all of you. As educators, it feels we are under the spotlight this year to openly reflect in conversations with curious strangers on how […]

Write On!

Velvet Lacasse
October 12, 2020
Assessment, Assessment and Evaluation, Building Inclusion, General, Learning About Your Students, Literacy, Mindfulness, Play-Based Learning, Start of the year, The Arts
Comments

I love to write, and I hope that my enthusiasm for the writing process inspires and encourages my Grade 2 students to write on! VIP: At the beginning of the year, we are working together to create a brave and inclusive community where everyone is recognized as a “very important person”.  The VIP program celebrates […]

Holiday drama shows

Kelly.McLaughlin
December 9, 2019
Assessment and Evaluation, Curriculum Planning, Inquiry, Inspiring Students, Play-Based Learning, Students as Teachers, Technology
Comments

Last month I posted about an opportunity for a halloween drama task where students used their short stories to make them come to life in our classroom. I wrote about the success of it and the interest amongst all the students in grade eight. So of course when the holidays rolled around again, I posed […]

Create Success in Intermediate Math through Play….

Kim Cousin
February 17, 2019
Assessment, Building Inclusion, Challenging Topics, Classroom Layouts, Combined Grade Classes, Constant Learning, Differentiated Instruction, Diverse Learning Needs, Flexible Classroom, General, Inquiry, Inspiring Students, Inspiring Teachers, Interviews, Learning About Your Students, Math, Planning, Play-Based Learning, Questioning, Resources, Students as Teachers
Comments

“What are you doing in Math today?” the VP inquires of my grade 5,6,7 and 8 students. “We’re playing games.” “You’re playing games?” “Yes, we always play in math.” The assessments gathered from these classes provide me insight of where everyone is in their learning. My experience with assessments are that individual conversations to understand […]

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