A ball of modelling clay was provided to manipulate into an object that can float. After discovering a way of how to make it float, students were tasked with seeing how many teddy bears can sit on the boat before it sank. For such young children, what we were most impressed with was their ability to stay focussed with great determination to succeed and for such a long time. They showed such patience, perseverance, and critical thinking when provided with the challenge to make a dense object float.

The critical thinking skills that were demonstrated throughout were also truly brilliant. Wished every parent could have been there to witness their learning! Some used the inside of a bowl to form their boat. When that didn’t work, they tried it on the outside of the bowl. Other students believed that making sure their boat was dry was important so they used our sponges to dry it off each time. Then in order to try to hold more teddy bears, they exercised further critical thinking skills to experiment with the shape of their boats. The learning was so rich and students were so engaged and motivated. We felt so proud of how they self-regulated their emotions even though some of them weren’t successful until the very end. They kept trying and trying and demonstrated a never give up attitude.

Here were some reflections shared:

• I learned that when I take the clay and fold it up, it float.
• That the same object can sink and float. – Isla
• If you have too much water in the boat, then it will sink. – Sasha
• I learned to “never give up”. – Charlotte T.
• I learned that even if there’s little tiny holes, you will have to block the holes. It can be holes on the side but not on the bottom. – Mehr

Spontaneously, most unexpected student etched “I can think critically” on her floatie. Made us smile!

Core Competencies connection:

• I can show perseverance.
• I can try and try again.
• I can think critically.

Students, what did you think about this critical thinking activity? Please feel free to leave a comment. We would love to hear your thoughts!

It is always so interesting to see how students are provided with the same materials (heart tracer, pencil, paper, and pastels) but yet the art that is produced shows such uniqueness and creativity. We love how they chose their colours and personal design to make it their very own. They practiced their mindfulness and had a sense of calm as they coloured and rubbed their pastel to blend their colours. 

After their masterpieces were completed, we had a gallery walk so to speak where we showcased each artist’s work to receive compliments from classmates. We were so impressed with the way that they noticed people’s effort, effectiveness of colours chosen, and unique creativity through their art. The positive statements made others feel extra proud of their creative work. Some students actually didn’t feel that proud of their artwork for various reasons but after hearing such positive and genuine comments made about theirs, they began to see their own work as masterpieces. So heartwarming! We witnessed the true power of words.

Core Competency connection: 

• I can appreciate other people’s work.
• I can communicate my thoughts in a clear way.
• I can demonstrate my creative and artistic thinking through art.

This art was inspired by Jim Dine. Here is a sample of his work. What do you think of our artwork? How does it make you feel? Please feel free to leave a comment. Thank you!

We launched Family Literacy Week on Tuesday with guest readers from our local fire department. Students enjoyed listening to Firefighter Riley read us a storybook about the many different jobs they do. Before he could finish reading, they were unexpectedly called away to respond to an emergency. Fortunately, they were able to come back shortly after to give us a tour of the fire truck. Thanks to Firefighter Greg, they learned a lot about the many parts and tools on the truck. We are grateful for the firefighters for coming in to read and share a part of their knowledge with us!

On Wednesday, we dressed up as a character from a book. In our class, we saw Alice in Wonderland, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and students and teachers from Stephanie’s Ponytail to name a few. Thanks for making the effort to dress up!

During our Family Literacy Week assembly on Thursday, we enjoyed a variety of sharing from many primary classes. We read our haikus about snow. Maybe that might summon the snow next week! We felt proud of how they presented their poems and love to take opportunities to showcase their learning. We came back to class and shared some core competency statements: “I can feel proud of my haiku. I can feel confident in front of the school.” We have really been focussing on “I can” statements and hope that this language will be built into their regular speech at home. The more they can recognize their strengths and what they “can do”, the more they can build on their success and further develop in the areas of communication, thinking, and personal and social competencies. To learn more, go to BC Curriculum on Core Competencies.

It was neat and interesting to see the choices in books that students brought to school to read. They each had an opportunity to share a little something about their book. Although they have had many opportunities to read since the beginning of the year, there seemed to be something extra special during the times they had to Drop Everything And Read today. We always appreciate seeing parents come in during Family Read. Sorry, we know not all of you can but know that your child is still enjoying reading with another parent, a teacher, or their friends during that time.

Thank you for participating in the Family Literacy Week Bingo activities. Parents and students, what literacy activities did you enjoy doing most with your family? What did you think about our Family Literacy Week activities? What suggestions might you have for next year’s Family Literacy Week? Feel free to write a comment on our blog. Thank you!

We have access to a free online resource with hundreds of popular, animated, and narrated stories that have music and sound. To access, go to University Highlands website, hover over Library page, and click on Library Catalogue. Under Reading & Writing section, click on Tumblebooks. You will NOT need to login with a password if you go through this route. Enjoy the stories!

Over 2000 grade 2 and 3 students from across the district participate in Primary Days of Music each year. Local gyms are opened to neighbouring schools and choirs to share their repertoire with peers. It has always been a special opportunity for the enjoyment of music.

Please click here to go to link to learn more. Mr. Douglas has been preparing our students for this special event! You can find lyrics and music to the songs they are singing on this link. The grade 1’s will have their opportunity to attend the event next year but are enjoying learning the music with Mr. Douglas this year as well.

The date is yet to be determined but it will be between March 11th to 15th.

A reminder to return the Family Literacy Week bingo sheets for a chance to win a prize at the assembly. Students will be sharing their haikus about snow tomorrow. Please join us! (more…)