Thursday 27 October 2011

Friendship


Over the past few days we have been talking about friendship and how to be a good friend. We read a poem entitled "Friendship Poem" and presented it in small groups in front of the class. We spent some time discussing what we look for in a friend and here are some of the ideas the students came up with.

A Good Friend...
  • is nice and kind
  • shares the same interests
  • is caring and helpful
  • is honest and trustworthy
  • is open to ideas
  • will stand up for you
  • is a good listener
Finally, we listened to music and learned about high, low, wide and small movements. Some of the music was fast and some was slow. This enabled the students to listen to the music and interpret their feelings of friendship. The students were then placed in small groups and created interpretive dances to a piece of music. It was wonderful to see that each group created movements that were unique and beautiful.

Friday 21 October 2011

Bleu M’ajjjiiik


On Thursday, we enjoyed a presentation by the Bleu M’ajjjiiik Theatre Company. The play, which focused on intimidation and tolerance, is the story of a young boy who undergoes verbal and physical attacks from his classmates. The play offered solutions to dealing with bullies and strategies for conflict resolution. Kudos to Gwynn who went on stage and participated in the play. Her performance was so good, many in the audience thought she had rehearsed her part! After the presentation, students discussed ways to deal with problems on the playground. Students are encouraged to use "I messages" when dealing with a conflict - "I don't like it when... because...." Students will use these skills during their work as Conflict Managers.

Wednesday 19 October 2011

Medicine Wheel



Booshoo Annin - A long time ago, medicine wheels were constructed by laying stones in a pattern on the ground. Aboriginal artist and teacher, Cheryl Alexander, is sharing her expertise with our class during three sessions. On the first session, we learned about Miss Alexander's culture through a variety of items: moccasins, fur, dream catchers, beadwork vamps and mukluks. On our second session, we learned the story of the medicine wheel and its meaning. Ask your child to tell you about the medicine wheel - directions (east, west, north and south), stages in life (child, youth, adult & elder), aspects (physical, emotional, mental & spiritual) and colours (yellow, black, red & white). On our third session, each student will make a medicine wheel using deer skin leather, beads, feathers and a metal hoop. Meegwetch Miss Alexander for sharing your culture with us!

Falling Leaves


Autumn marks the transition from summer to winter. It is a time of year where the leaves change colour and the air becomes crisp. I decided to use a variety forms of art to explore the splendour of this wonderful season. As a class, we discussed why leaves fall from the trees, how leaves move as well as the texture of leaves. We began by observing leaves and their texture and then participating in an art project that involved sketching, rubbing, stamping and engraving the shape and texture of leaves on a variety of materials. We then discussed how leaves move in the wind and how and why they fall in autumn. The students were given the opportunity to move creatively to music using scarves. This project enabled the students to explore the topic of autumn through dance and visual art.

Visit to the Farm





On September 15 our class visited Glenlea and Kelburn Farms to learn about agricultural topics such as: eggs, chickens, milk production, beef, soils, farm equipment, bees and grains. Throughout the day we visited 16 stations and participated in a live cookie auction. The auctioneer talked quickly but we ended up with some amazing chocolate chunk cookies! We learned that a queen bee lays 2000 eggs each day, a sow can weigh 500-600 pounds, and dairy cows drink the equivalent of a bathtub full of water each day! Many students loved seeing the newborn and weened piglets - they were adorable! We were also some of the first students in Manitoba to visit the new Farm & Food Discovery Centre.