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