During parent-teacher interviews this year, there were a number of parents asking for homework. Now, if you know me, you know my thoughts on homework – it’s a waste of time! Ok…before getting upset with me, please hear me out. A child either understands a concept or they don’t. Without guidance and specific support, sending […]
Literacy
M is for Mindfulness
My inbox and social media feeds are filled with reminders to take care of myself and to focus on the mental health and wellness of my students and community, and I am trying. This month, I felt the phunk of COVID fatigue. I am working hard to create playful moments of joy, and generate my […]
Literacy, Science & So Much More!
During Distance Learning, I saw first-hand how engaged my students were in listening to the Six Minutes podcast. From learning to write summaries to engaging discussions prompting students to justify their thinking, the podcasts offered a new and exciting way to interact with media. This year, I have some of my former students again so […]
Write On!
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 […]
Distance Learning Ideas
During these different times, I’ve been planning for a new type of learning – distance learning – with little to no idea of how it might actually be implemented. As I plan, I thought there may be some who would find what I have done of value. I’m using this post to share some of […]
Graphic Novels – Engaging Learning for All Readers
Meeting with families was a little different this year due to job action. Last month, I met with a family to discuss their child’s progress. Although we weren’t meeting about concerns, this was a very insightful meeting, as we spoke about engaging students in reading for enjoyment. I was a little surprised because this child […]
Novels That Spark Conversation and Empathy
This year, due to the ongoing job action, Forest of Reading looks quite different in our school. Rather than having a club where students read books at their leisure and then check in with the teacher who read the book for conversation, we’re reading some of the texts as a class. Given a couple of […]
Orange Shirt Day
Orange Shirt Day is tomorrow – September 30th! While I strongly believe conversations around reconciliation between non-Indigenous and Indigenous peoples need to happen on a daily basis, Orange Shirt Day provides an opportunity for action and awareness. In this post, I’ll be sharing a couple activities we have done this year and how we will […]