In social studies we've been exploring the features, both natural and built, of our community. Beginning mapping skills are part of our studies too. Today, we combined these two strands and went out on a walk around the neighbourhood with our reading buddies. Before we set out, we brainstormed a list of all the things we thought we'd see. The kids did a very good job and outside we went, using our eyes and ears to look for nature, transportation, buildings, signs and more! The 'hands down' favourite was, of course, the playground equipment! Back at school, we discussed what we'd seen. Then we fired up the Smartboard and went on Google Earth, a site we've been visiting a lot, to look at the bird's eye view of our route. Using the board's tools, we outlined the school, our route, trees, houses, fields and other features on the Google Earth image. When we deleted the image. . .SURPRISE! We had a MAP!
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Today we visited the Children's Safety Village and learned about fire safety and home hazards. Well, to be more accurate, we had all of the things we've been learning about at school validated by real firefighters! I was very proud of how knowledgeable the kids were and the firefighters were impressed too. Now if heaven forbid any one of these little ones finds themselves in a fire situation he or she will know what to do. They were given homework so please be patient if you are asked about your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors! They also were given grid paper to make a fire escape plan. Please fill in and detach the bottom section of that paper - if we get them back we'll get a visit from a firetruck! Click on the pictures below to expand them and read the captions. Underneath the gallery is a slideshow as well so keep scrolling! Calculators are fun! Here we're adding and subtracting, while determining if two number statements are equal (true) or not (false). We'll be using calculators for another fun game called 'le monde puzzles'. Ah, I remember when a calculator was so high tech and super expensive - but I guess I'm really dating myself there!
What could these be? Totem poles? Weird alien creatures? Look closely to see how we created symmetry!
I am so grateful for the many supportive families who have helped Ahmet's mother get settled in her new home. Clothing, shoes, toys, books, blankets, a vacuum, a rug, money and gift cards - and most of all a wonderful Canadian welcome! You can see that Ahmet is settling in and of course here is our Alexis who is so very kind and caring. She has been so helpful and ALL of the kids are doing their best to help their new friend adjust. Ahmet's mother cannot speak any English yet but she does have this down very well, so I'll pass it along: THANK YOU!
I just can't tell you what it means to me to have this little boy in my class. As the refugee crises escalated, I've been telling myself for weeks "I should do something. Something to help." Good intentions! (You know what they say about those LOL!) Well, here is my opportunity so I just want this little guy to be happy and I can't thank everyone enough for all of the generous support. We are just getting familiar with this family - a mother, two teenagers and the twins in grade one - and I am sure there will be many needs to surface as time goes on. I know our school community will support them. I'm so grateful to be teaching at McWilliam!
Our inquiries into 2D and 3D shapes have led us in many directions, but our inspired art has been a favourite! This beautifully colourful work just went up on our hall bulletin board. The paintings are in the style of an artist named Alma Thomas.
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About Mrs. C.Mrs. Cuckovic, or "Mrs. C." as she's called, is a retired educator who spent a long and varied career with the Greater Essex County District School Board in Windsor, Ontario. Archives
November 2020
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