with Ms. Lai & Ms. Loungsay
We created winter trees with oil & chalk pastels. We drew the trees with markers, and then used the pastels to add snow. We used our fingers to blend the snow on the tree branches, creating a soft effect. I love how each piece of art work is unique. Some students even added ornaments to make it look like a Christmas tree. Please come and take a look at this bulletin outside our classroom.
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Inspired by the origami jellyfish we saw at the Vancouver Aquarium, created by a local artist, we decided to create our own jellyfish. Thanks to our grade 4/5 big buddies from Mr. Boulanger’s class, as well as Ms. Mitchell, for helping us with this fun craft!
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The kindergarten students had many unique questions about jellyfish! We learned that jellyfish or jellies live in all the oceans. A jellyfish is an invertebrate made mostly of water. It has no heart, brain or bones. But it does have millions of stinging cells in their tentacles. When the tentacles capture food, toxin is injected into the prey. A jellyfish can sting you!
While it is not always easy to talk about Canadian history and war with young children, Remembrance Day presents a good opportunity to recognize the courage of those who served for our country. In class, we talked about the significance of wearing a poppy and about peace – what peace looks like, sounds like, and feels like. We can give our children a reason to work towards a more peaceful world.
Here are some comments from the students:
“Peace is going to the playground.”
“Peace is sharing our toys.”
“Peace is feeling safe in school.”
*More comments will be available in students’ e-portfolios.
This is a great book for young children: The Peace Book by Todd Parr
The kindergarten and grade one students in Div. 8 & 9 did a wonderful job reciting this Remembrance Day poem at the school assembly. Thank you to parents for helping your child practice the lines at home.
Poppy Poppy
Poppy Poppy, what do you say?
Wear me on Remembrance Day.
Poppy Poppy, what do you tell?
Many soldiers in battle fell.
Poppy Poppy, what should we know?
That peace on Earth should grow, grow, grow.
Poppy, we are but children small,
We are too little to do it all.
Children, you may do your part.
Love each other is how you start.
Play without fighting.
Share your games and toys.
Be kind and thoughtful,
To all girls and boys.
What a fun day it was! The children arrived at the Aquarium with wonder and curiosity about the world of sea animals. We saw sea lions, frogs, salamanders, turtles, jellyfish, and more. We saw playful sea otters, jumping dolphins, and African penguins shorter than us. At the Discover Rays pool, children were able to touch the stingrays who glided just beneath the water’s surface. Some of the children were shocked by their moving chair and sprays of water during the 4D movie, Coastal Predators.
We are scientists who observed, questioned, analyzed, and discussed what we saw. The children left the aquarium tired (and many of them napped on the ride home), but inspired to learn and care for our environment. Over the next few weeks, we will continue to discuss our observations and study about animals that live under the sea.
September 29th was our school’s Terry Fox Run, as well as Orange Shirt Day. Ms. Price, our Aboriginal Resource Teacher, visited our classroom to tell us the story about Phyllis’ experience at a residential school.
Having Orange Shirt Day on the same day as the Terry Fox Run was a good opportunity to talk about Terry Fox’s Métis ancestry. Thank you Parents for your donations to the Terry Fox Foundation. As a school, we surpassed our goal and raised…
More photos from the run:
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For most kids, this was their first exposure to yoga. Our instructor, Michelle, focused on breathing exercises and a variety of stretches/poses (E.g. cat, cow, warrior). Yoga helps kids with focus/concentration, and boosts self-esteem. Learning about proper breathing techniques can help with tackling anxiety. I also liked that gratitude seems to be another key focus in the practice of yoga. And of course, the children get to experience play without the worry of making mistakes.
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For those who celebrate this festival, I wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous lunar new year! Gung xi fa cai! The kids enjoyed a variety of activities, including making lanterns and writing the Chinese numeral characters.
