Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed

A traditional Group Language lesson we did this past week was based on the story, Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson.  Ordinary Mary is ordinary girl who decides to pick blueberries for her neighbor, Mrs. Bishop. This simple act of kindness starts a chain reaction that multiplies around the world.

 

After reading the story to the children, we sent them off to brainstorm acts of kindness that they could do in our community.  From many, many ideas, the kids then decided which deeds were do-able and we chose five to complete.  On Friday afternoon, the entire school went off in various directions doing deeds.  Children made cards and posters, bouquets for neighbourhood delivery, how-to videos for younger learners, cleaned classrooms and washed cars.

 

 

 

From lessons like this come wonderful stories from the children.  One child in the class told me his sister did a good deed.  When I asked what it was, he told me that she had flown a paper plane into their neighbours' yard.  I was confused by this until he told me that on the paper plane was written, "I love you".    

Teacher Appreciation Lunch

Thanks so much to all of those who contributed to the Teacher Appreciation Lunch at the Main School this past week.  We arrived to a beautiful set-up outside in the courtyard and a feast for royalty!  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Measurement Made Fun

This past week the kids have been working on linear measurement.  The younger students have been using non. standard units (i.e., books, linking chains, unifix cubes), while the older students used standard units.  Students were given 2 challenges.  One was to make a ramp and see how far a toy car would travel.  The other was to measure how far they could throw a cotton ball.  From an outsider looking in, the classroom and open area looked like chaos in the making.  This is often when the best learning takes place! 

Week of Dance

I love weeks like this!  The week began with a parent, Yoel, teaching the children about Israeli dance.  On Tuesday, we welcomed Grace (a past student of mine) to teach us a few things about classical ballet.

On Wednesday morning, Lorraine and her clogging group performed for us.  We finished the session learning The Dickens Stomp, a special dance made just for us. 

On Wednesday afternoon, we welcomed Gustavo Ferman who teaches Latin Funk.  His enthusiasm and energy is contagious. 

All day Thursday, each division was taught a part in a Bollywood dance that was then put all together at then end of the day with 140 children participating.  The instructor was so amazed at the abilities of our students, as was I.  It gave me goosebumps seeing all of them working together with such enthusiasm and joy. 

Ribbit ! Ribbit !

As part of our study of frogs, the children used their creative talents to create a plasticine model of any type of frog they wanted.  One thing led to the next, and soon the kids were searching for rocks, leaves and twigs to add to their creations.  Make sure you come into the class to have a look at them.  I am always amazed at the results of activities like this. 

My Warm Welcome Back

After being off work yet another round, I came back to an amazing welcome.  First, I walk into the class to see this...

 

 ...and then I sit down to a pile of cards from the kids.  Well, I had tears in my eyes and felt so grateful for the amazing children that I am priviledged to have in my life!