Good morning Division 7,

I hope you all enjoyed the long weekend. I  got to go on a beautiful hike to Evan’s Peak in Golden Ears and felt very inspired by the quick-moving clouds. There was even a moment that a heart shape appeared from the blue sky!! (The photo above)

A few things to discuss:

1. Class Meeting – Today @ 11 am
2. Learning Opportunities

This week’s schedule:

 

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Video Calls	Victoria Day (No school)	11 am – Class Meeting			11 am – Sharing Circle
Literacy		Plan & Write	Edit/Revise	Publish	Share (or on Sunday)
Makers: “Giving Back” Painting		Plan	Create	Reflect (write)	Share
Genius Hour		Continue Genius Hour – this is ongoing. Build on last week or start a new project.
Daily Routine		Math, Reading, Body Break, Social Break, Service

 

1. Class Meeting (video conference)

Please meet me at 11 am this morning on Teams for our weekly class meeting. I will be reviewing the work for this week and answering any questions.

2. Learning Opportunities

To-do:
* : hand-in
(extension): optional

a.) Morning Journal*
b.) Literacy*
c.) Math

Extensions (optional):
d.) Genius Hour
e.) Art – “Giving Back” Painting
f.) Thurs. May 21st – Outdoor Classroom Day

Priorities

a.) Morning Journal *

How was your weekend? Focus on feelings, experiences, and observations (the “inside story”).

b.) Literacy*

Resource; Adrienne Gear OLLI

This writing activity is inspired by the book Everybody needs a Rock.

Growing up, I could spend hours combing through the beach looking for rocks that stand out to me. This hobby has extended into my adulthood and I still appreciate rocks. I am fascinated by their uniqueness and the story they each tell. Where do they come from? What have they experienced? Where have they been?

For a long time, I used to collect the rocks I would spend hours finding in different locations around the world. However, a couple summers ago when I was in Haida Gwaii while studying to become a teacher, we were exploring a beach called Agate Beach. Agate is a type of rock that contains a high amount of quartz (a type of crystal that looks like see-through glass). The more translucent the rock, the more pure the agate. This beach had a lot of agate dispersed along the shore (among so many other beautiful rocks). Many tourists made a habit of coming in and collecting a large amount of agate. Some would even re-sell their findings. This significantly reduced the number of agate on Agate Beach.

We were taught to only take what we needed and anytime you take something from the land, you should be prepared to give back in some way. It made me reflect on all the times I took from nature and did not intentionally give back. I keep this in mind anytime I want take something from the land — even something as seemingly simple as a rock. How could I give back? Perhaps cleaning up some litter on your way out of the beach.

The book suggests 10 steps in finding your own special rock:

Everybody Needs A Rock Rules:

1.  Find your rock anywhere.

2. Shhhhhh… choose a rock quietly.

3. Look at your rock eye to eye.

4. Don’t choose a rock that’s too big.

5. Don’t choose a rock that’s too small.

6. Choose a rock that fits into your hand.

7. Look for the perfect color.

8. Choose a rock that has an interesting shape.

9. Sniff your rock. (they all smell different!)

10. Don’t ask for help.  You can do this all by yourself.

Assignment:

I encourage you to find your own special rock! You can do this in their yard, at a local park, or perhaps on an outing with your parents (here the printable of Everybody Needs A Rock 10 Rules above).

Please write a descriptive piece using the following template: Everybody Needs a Rock (Int)

“Giving Back” Rock

During the pandemic, I have noticed a lot of painted rocks scattered around during my walks and runs. They ar usually beautifully decorated and sometimes a supportive message is included. The intention of these rocks are to uplift members of the community. As an extension and art project, I encourage you to create a “Giving Back” rock.

Please refer to the following template and hand it in to me upon completion: My Giving Back Rock (intermediate)

c.) Math

Please continue your math program.
Khan Academy, IXL, worksheets, etc.

If you would like support/guidance on a math program, please contact me.

Extension Activities (optional)

d.) Genius Hour (optional)

Continue your Genius Hour project.  This is an ongoing project. If you have completed it or are just starting, here is the planning sheet to start a new inquiry:Genius Hour Planning Sheet

Follow these steps:
Brainstorm – what topics interest you? Write down topics that interest you (e.g. birds, palm trees, global warming, Jupiter, etc…). Select one to focus on this week.

Question – What deep questions do you wish to explore on your topic? (e.g. how do birds fly?)

Research – How are you going to find answers to your questions? With limited variety of resources, it will likely be online or an interview with an “expert” on the topic (perhaps family/friends).

Present – How are you going to share your knowledge? Please come up with a a way to briefly present your project. This may be through a speech, slideshow, poster, poem, comic, video, song, etc.

Share – Practice your presentation and share — either to me, family/friends, to the class during Sharing Circle.

Please follow the following planning sheet to guide you through your planning and  research.

e.) “Giving Back” Painting

There has been a suggestion for painting supportive messages for members passing by in the community or for frontline workers. In our class, there has been mention (and photos sent) of these wonderful messages. Even though we are almost 2 months into social distancing and conditions are starting to improve, it is always nice to pass by a new, kind message.

As suggested by you in class, this week’s art project is a supportive painting project. This may include painting a kind rock (“Giving Back” rock — see more under “Literacy), a poster/paper, or any other way you wish to show your support and kindness.

f.) Outdoor Classroom Day

Thursday May 21st is Outdoor Classroom Day. This acknowledges the land as teacher and the power of play and curiosity.

Please refer to activities you can try on your own or with your family in this document: Outdoor Classroom Day Activities

Have a good day and see you at 11 am,

Ms. Daneshwand