Differentiated Instruction

Ditch Tests – Do Projects Instead!

Shawna Rothgeb-Bird
May 31, 2021
Assessment and Evaluation, Curriculum Planning, Differentiated Instruction
1 Comment

As the year winds down and you start to think about next year, I have something I want you to consider: get rid of tests. No, seriously. Forget about them. When I first started teaching, I, too, used tests. After all, that’s what my experience was: finish a unit, do a test to demonstrate your […]

Some days I don’t like teaching

Will Gourley
May 31, 2021
Challenging Topics, Constant Learning, Differentiated Instruction, Distance learning, Emergency Distance Learning, General, Mental Health, self reflection, social emotional learning, Teacher Wellness, Teaching online
Comments

The above title is not a lie, but it hasn’t always been like this. I have no intentions on adding on more unlikeable days either, even while there are forces beyond my control always at work. I am seeking to understand how and why it feels this way? Prior to January 2020, it would have […]

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 […]

Birds of a Feather….

Velvet Lacasse
March 21, 2021
Differentiated Instruction, First Nations, Indigenous Perspectives, Outdoor Education, The Arts
1 Comment

….FLOCK Together!! In preparation for the Spring Equinox, which is usually held in the Rainbow Garden, I started to think creatively about how we could gather as a whole school community and respect COVID health and safety protocols. I wanted to incorporate dance, and then I remembered about flocking. WTF? Flocking is a type of […]

“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 […]

Brutalist worksheets

Will Gourley
November 30, 2020
Assessment and Evaluation, Challenging Topics, Constant Learning, Differentiated Instruction, General, Modern Learning, Resources
2 Comments

Have you ever seen something that made you wonder whether it’s sole purpose was to make you feel small or insignificant? I don’t mean this in feelgood sort of humbling way like you might ponder a mountain’s majesty or an ocean’s depth. I mean, the way you feel uneasy when looking at a decades old […]

Progressing With Difficulty

Velvet Lacasse
October 22, 2020
Assessment and Evaluation, Communication with Parents and Guardians, Differentiated Instruction, Equity, Pedagogical Documentation, Professional Judgement, Professional Learning and Growth, Report Cards
Comments

As the deadline for completing Progress Reports approaches, I am reflecting on the word “evaluation” and thinking critically about the ways educators and schools “value” knowledge and measure “success”.    Despite the challenges and loss created by COVID-19, my young students continue to demonstrate compassion and resiliency.  They are actively engaged in learning and happy […]

Looking on the bright-side during this dark time.

Kelly.McLaughlin
June 1, 2020
21st Century Learning, Celebrating Success, Constant Learning, Differentiated Instruction, Distance learning, Engaging students with online learning, Flexible Classroom, Inquiry, Integration, Modern Learning, Professional Learning and Growth, self reflection, Technology, Use of Technology, Using technology well
Comments

During this time at home, we are all probably having positive and negative learning moments. From seeing students thrive for the first time to having zero assignments turned in, the highs and lows have been a rollercoaster over the past few months. However, during this time for my sanity, I need to focus on the […]

Overwhelming Resources

Michelle Fenn
May 3, 2020
21st Century Learning, Communication Tools, Constant Learning, Curriculum Planning, Differentiated Instruction, Distance learning, Emergency Distance Learning, Health & Safety, Inspiring Students, Inspiring Teachers, Integration, Learning in a Real Life Context, Media Literacy, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Modern Learning, Professional Judgement, Professional Learning and Growth, Questioning, Resources, Social Media, Teachers Classroom Spending, Technology in school, The Global Competencies, Use of Technology, Using technology well
1 Comment

As we engage in distance/remote/online/emergency learning Educators are being inundated with resources and tools to use in their virtual classrooms.  It isn’t easy to decide which would be most effective and which ones are safe for teachers and students to use.  There is no one size fits all answer to this but there are a […]

Keeping it fresh.

Will Gourley
February 29, 2020
Celebrating Success, Constant Learning, Curriculum Planning, Differentiated Instruction, General, Inquiry, Literacy, Making a Difference Through Education, Math, Modern Learning, Music, Professional Learning and Growth, Resources, Use of Technology
1 Comment

As of the end of February, it is apparent to no one in Ontario that Spring is just around the corner. Judging by the blankets of snow and recent school bus cancellations, winter continues to disrupt and annoy us with the same creative sadism as a government hell-bent on destroying public education. Despite the stark […]

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