Category: Social Emotional Learning (Page 1 of 2)

Speed Stacks

Division 5 has just started learning speed stacking, and last week we participated in the Stack Up! annual event. This event aims to set the world record for the most stackers at the same time in different parts of the world. The goal this year was 775 000!

Speed Stacking is a relatively new sport that is based on… that’s right… stacking cups!

Sport stacking, also known as cup stacking or speed stacking, is an individual and team sport that involves stacking 9 or 12 (usually 12) specially designed cups in pre-determined sequences as fast as possible. The cups are specially designed to allow for speedier times, so the sport doesn’t work so well with regular cups. People of all ages and from all over the world compete in sport stacking.

Just as with any sport, there are particular rules that guide speed stacking. Division 5 is just beginning developing some basic skills around how we handle the cups, and some of the stacking fundamentals needed to be successful with this sport. Developing muscle memory is a big part of learning any new physical skill, and we are learning that we must start slow in order to achieve this. One of the rules of cup stacking is that the player must use alternating hands in order to set up each cycle of cups–this action of alternating hands actually strengthen the right and left brain connection.  There are also competition events such as partner stacking where each person performs the actions of either the right or the left hand. It’s important to start with the fundamentals of a sport before adding in speed and power.

If you want to learn more, check out these official speed stacking YouTube videos.

Families have the opportunity to buy their own set of stacks from Speed Stacks Canada. Just click on the  “Group Order” image to go to the ordering site. Purchasing a set through this link helps us get more speed stacking supplies for our school.

Ordering closes on November 30.

Happy stacking!

Zentangling Our Way Through October

In Art, Division 5 is exploring line and pattern with Zentangles.

Use a pen to create your Zentangle and transform your “mistakes” into (what Bob Ross would call) “happy little accidents!”

Zentangles are structured patterned drawings with combinations of dots, lines, simple curves, etc. They are drawn on small square papers called “tiles.” Zentangling is a mindful practice that is one of our options during quiet choice time. We work with a fineliner instead of pencil so when we create our patterns, we don’t fixate on making something “perfect.” Sometimes when we draw with pencil, we might get stuck in a cycle of drawing and erasing, trying to perfect a certain shape, line, or shadow. When we work with pen, we must move past “imperfections” and develop our ability to go-with-the-flow when plans are changed by an oopsie!

Here are some pattern ideas. Also, you can look for inspiration anywhere and everywhere! Where can you find patterns?

From the Zentangle website (yes, there is a website!): “Zentangle art is non-representational and unplanned so you can focus on each stroke and not worry about the result. There is no up or down to Zentangle art. If fact, you can most easily create Zentangle art by rotating your tile as you tangle — always keeping your hand in a relaxed position. You don’t need to know what a tangle is going to look like to draw it. You just need to know the steps. The result is a delightful surprise.”

Check out some of the student Zentangles so far!

What Is An Ally?

Our discussions around Pink Shirt Day have centred around what it means to be an ally, and the differences between upstanding and bystanding. Words and actions have power that impact the lives of others in the short and long term. Every day we make powerful choices about how we can use our words and actions to help or harm.

The picture book, A Day With No Words, introduces readers to a boy with autism who uses a tablet to communicate with others. Even though we communicate in different ways, it’s important to acknowledge and include everyone, and to honour our unique traits.

We also watched  video (unfortunately yes, it’s a Burger King ad) about how people respond to bullying.

The next video is a bit nuanced and requires a bit more of a stretch from students–what do you notice about the characters’ voices? What is this video communicating about the long-term impact of our words and actions?

And how does this connect to the demonstration and discussion around this piece of paper?

Media Balance

Division 5 is beginning to explore digital literacy and citizenship skills. We will be learning how to use technology in helpful ways, about our digital footprints and online privacy, how we interact with others, how to find information safely, and how we can keep a healthy balance between media and non-media in our lives.

The following information is from Common Sense Education, a digital literacy resource I have been using for many years. You can also check out this family activity that can help with discussions around digital balance at home.

From phones and tablets to streaming movies and YouTube, tech and media are everywhere. Kids love easy access to shows, games, and information. Parents and caregivers love that kids can learn on the go (and stay busy when dinner’s cooking). But it’s easy to overdo it when the phone never stops pinging and the next episode plays automatically. Families can keep media and tech use in check by following a few simple practices.

Speed Stacks Group Order

Division 5 has been learning speed stacking, and this week we participated in the Stack Up! annual event. This event aims to set the world record for the most stackers at the same time in different parts of the world. The goal this year is 750 000! Division 5 has taught three primary classes how to speed stack this week–amazing!

Families have the opportunity to buy their own set of stacks from Speed Stacks Canada with the link in the “Group Order” image. Purchasing a set through this link helps us get more speed stacking supplies for our school. Ordering closes on December 1.

Happy stacking!

 

Finding Balance in a Digital World

Division 3 is learning to identify and reflect on the habits they have with digital media and devices.

From phones and tablets to streaming movies and YouTube, tech and media are everywhere. Kids love easy access to TV shows, games, and information.

Parents and caregivers love that kids can stay in contact while they explore their independence. But it’s easy to overdo it when the phone never stops pinging and the next episode plays automatically.

Check out these tips from Common Sense Media to keep media and tech use in check.

Continue reading

Sharing Our Stories

From the beginning of language, humans have told stories to communicate the past and current learnings, to explain the world around us, and to connect and comfort.

They tell others who we are, where we are from, what we believe, and about the experiences that shape us. We learn empathy, lessons about friendships and possible dangers. Our stories teach and inspire.

Continue reading

The Size of a Problem

In our Zones discussions, we talked about how our feelings about a problem can affect our perception of the situation. Sometimes our emotions can feel so “big” that they limit us from seeing possible solutions. Frustration, anger, and despair can block us from moving forward.

Check out this video of two people with a problem. Is the problem as big as they perceive it to be?

Division 3 — What are some strategies you use to control your emotions so you are better equipped for facing a problem?

 

Working Together

Learning to work together to complete tasks and achieve a common goal is part of a skillset that underlies all aspects of curriculum. Throughout our first couple of weeks together, Division 3 has been working in small randomized groups on a variety of tasks to practice our communication, thinking, and interpersonal skills. When working in groups, we need to remember the “big 3”:

  • Work persistently
  • Communicate productively
  • Take risks

Division 3 discussed how sometimes we need to take breaks to regulate ourselves when getting frustrated because our brains can “shut down” when overwhelmed, that communication requires sharing AND listening, and that taking risks requires trust of everyone else in the group.

Today students got some practice with the big 3: they worked in small groups with an elastic and string to move cups into various formations according to the instruction cards provided. They had to use verbal and non-verbal communication and teamwork to complete their task.

Division 3 — What was something that made you feel successful today? What was something that was the most challenging for you?

Pen Pal Meet-Up

This year, Division 3 were pen pals with the Division 3 class from Confederation Park. Students learned the (“old fashioned”) art of letter-writing as a form of communication, including how we greet the recipient and how we sign off, how we address an envelope, and the general kind of social chatter we engage in when meeting new people.

Yesterday, we took the bus down the mountain to finally meet the people with whom we have been exchanging letters! We had a fabulous day in the sun at Confederation Park playing in the spray park, the playground, and the tennis courts. At one point there was even a big soccer game happening! We even made portraits of what we though each other would look like and exchanged them–some were pretty close to reality, and others… not so much! The students from Confederation Park brought out some sports equipment, and we brought bracelet-making supplies, and card games so there were a variety of options.

Some new friendships were formed and old friendships strengthened. I hope everyone had a great day!

Division 3–what was your favourite part of your day?

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