Read-In-Week

Today was the kick-off to Read-In-Week. In my previous posts you already know how much I love books and reading to children. For the past month in our reader’s workshop we have been talking about reading and answering the questions of WHO reads, and WHEN, WHERE, WHAT and WHY readers read. We have learned that reading happens all the time, for various purposes and in many different places.

Who Reads…..
Moms, dads, grandparents, children, students, mechanics, cooks, doctors, bus drivers

What I Read…
Newspapers, magazines, books, brochures, ads, catalogues, letters, cards, notes, lists, maps, cookbooks, email

When I Read…
Morning, day, night, at school, when driving, when shopping

Where I Read…
Car, school, kitchen, bedroom, living room, outside, garage

Why I Read…
To learn, to build, to fix, to cook, to relax, for fun, for enjoyment

So as EPL (Edmonton Public Library) would say,
Ready, Set, Read!
Ready... Find a good book, magazine or computer screen.
Set... Choose a comfortable spot and block out any distractions.
Read... Enjoy yourself. Have fun. Learn!

If we are able to raise a reader today, tomorrow they will be a leader.

If you would like to add to the growing list of WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, and WHY - Please just add your comment below.

Capture The Moment!

Today was school photo day. I love this day in elementary school. Each child is in their Sunday best and we do everything possible as teachers to keep their clothes pressed, their hair frizz free and their mouths clean.

As a teacher, it is a momentous occasion; the class photo captures a moment where I and 19 special little people are forever connected. We will forever be a part of each other’s lives and hold a special place in our hearts for each other. But for a parent, I also think how a school photo captures such an important milestone in their child’s life. Each photo throughout grade school marks another year of growth, another year of excitement. But also how the photos captured today, might someday be shown at their high school graduation or their wedding, or even be placed in an album for the student’s own children to see one day.

So as Joshua Atticks says, ‘Time will never stand still and those moments that bring us such joy become memories in an instant. To capture such a moment and record it forever is truly monumental.’

As I post, I can not help but think about all the moments, memories, emotions, and thoughts I have captured. So far this journey has been remarkable for me. Thank you to all my family and friends who are sharing in my journey. I hope that we all continue to capture the moments in our lives that are truly the most important to us.

Toonies for Terry

Today we had our school wide Terry Fox Assembly and Run. Throughout the past month we have been collecting Toonies for Terry to help support cancer research. My students have thoroughly enjoyed reading books about Terry Fox as well as watching videos of him and The Marathon of Hope.

Terry knew that we all could do the impossible. Just as long as we believed and were willing to persevere against all odds. He said, “Dreams are made possible if you try.” For such a young man, Terry was so courageous and wise. One of his most profound quotes for me is, “Even if I don’t finish, we need others to continue. It’s got to keep going without me.” 30 years later it is still going without him. I am so proud to be a Canadian.

As my dear friend H. Whitney says, “We have a responsibility to educate our children about The Marathon of Hope and the impact that one person's dreams can have. 30 years ago Terry Fox changed everything about the way we stand up for what we believe in and he taught us the very meaning of 'perseverance'. Three decades later he continues to inspire us. I am so proud of all the little people in my school. I think he would be too.”

 ‎"I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles." -- Christopher Reeve

21st Century Skills

After returning to the classroom after two years, it was amazing to me how much changed in regards to technology. In 2008- I didn’t have Notebook Software, a SMART Board, a laptop; announcements viewed online, SMART Responders, or a document camera. I now have all of these in my classroom and know of classrooms where each individual student has a laptop or iPad.

We are living, teaching and learning in an ever-changing world that requires us as educators to teach the skills of tomorrow. We are ‘digital immigrants’ where our students are ‘digital learners.’ Most of my students in grade one are six years old, in 2064 when they are ready to retire - what will the world look like? We have no idea what the world will look like in five years let alone when my students are 60. However as educators we are preparing our students for life in that world.

So what skills do we need to teach - critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, innovation, collaboration, technology literacy, flexibility and adaptability.

As Alvin Toffler says, “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”

Often we will be learning, unlearning and relearning along with our students. What a gift we have been given to teach in this information age where the world is our classroom!!!

If you have never seen a ‘Did You Know’ video, it is a must watch. Just ‘Google It’ or look it up on ‘YouTube’.

TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW- LET’S GO!!!!

Patterns Patterns Patterns

We have been working on making patterns in class for the past two weeks. 
One of our outcomes in grade one is for students to be able to translate a pattern and identify the core.  We use the Pearson Math Makes Sense program and this correlates with Lesson 4.  I love doing patterns with students especially using 'junk boxes' or 'treasure boxes' with students.  Plus of course using the variety of unifix cubes, pattern blocks and plastic counters we all have in our rooms. 

Feel free to use the attached SMART Board lesson, modify as you see fit.

Patten Smartboard Lesson


Also, click on the image to read about my love for Treasure boxes.

What Counts?

Today’s photo is of unifix cubes. I use unifix cubes to work on patterning as well as developing number sense. Every classroom needs an ample supply of manipulatives to teach the mathematics curriculum however more important than teaching mathematics is teaching students what counts to be a good citizen in our ever-changing world.

What Counts?
What character traits do we want the future to have?
Let’s teach our students that every character choice they make- counts!

So Let’s Count-
1) Be Honest and Trustworthy
2) Be Reliable and Dependable
3) Build Healthy Relationships with Family and Friends
4) Respect Others and Yourself
5) Be Responsible
6) Listen
7) Treat People Fairly
8) Be Kind and Compassionate
9) Be Helpful and Kind
10) Be Cooperative and Caring
11) Be Patient
12) Be Courageous
13) Be Forgiving
14) Persevere
15) Volunteer

Morning Work

Mornings
There is so much to do and they are so rushed. 
Check Agendas
Complete attendance
Collect money and notes
Library books
Change home reading
Etc, Etc, Etc
The list goes on and on. 
While blog hopping this summer, I came across a blog that talked about a different morning activity every day.  If this is you, please let me know so I can add your link.  While I loved the idea and created my own signs to post in my classroom to remind students what each day is for morning work.

Math Master Monday
Toobaloo Tuesday
Word Work Wednesday
Think It Through Thursday
Fix It Up Friday


We have now completed day 11 of morning work and my students are loving it.  Of course Toobaloo Tuesday is their favourite.