Week 1

The week has been full of stories!  I've been able to teach origin stories from First Nations peoples in Canada: Turtle Island, The Raven and the First Men, Why Rabbit Turns White in Winter, Why Dog is Man's Best Friend....  I'm trying to devise lessons with more that Think Pair Share in order to get students talking about the stories that we are reading.  One of the ideas that my AT suggested was having the student dramatize the text.  It worked very well.  Today we had a story bonanza where students presented their story through retelling, reflecting and drawing.  Next week, students will write their own origin stories.  I can't wait to read them.  The Learning Wall is looking pretty bare.  I wonder what it'll look like in the end?

Students are going through the Health unit and I've been able to answer a few questions from the Question Box.  It's fascinating to see how curious they are about their body and puberty. It isn't my idea but the Question Box (students can leave anonymous questions on post-its) is a great idea to open up conversation. 

I've also taught some Math classes.  Graphing has been fun.  Students have graphed data from surveys completed in class and data that has been provided.  In order to remind students of certain criteria, we've created success criteria for graphs.  It was amazing to see one group actually check their graph against these criteria. 

I feel like I've been through classroom management training; I've learned so many techniques: clapping, countdown, lights off and a rock bin reward system (students earn rocks for good behaviour- when the rock bin is full, students can get a free period).  During free time, I've sat in on French and Music classes.  I've also seen the Photography Club in action.  Now to prepare for week 2.  To be continued....