Some folks say that letter writing is a lost art. This week our Intermediate Students refuted this claim by participating in The Great Canadian Mail Race. We received a letter from a student in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan addressed to “Any Grade 4-7 Student” at our school. A classmate volunteered to write back. Then, we all chose a town somewhere in Canada, tracked down the name of an elementary school in that community, and wrote a letter to “Any Grade 4-7 Student” in that school! We wrote to students from Nunavut to Newfoundland. The race is now on to see who will receive a response first!
How well do you really know an orange? The Primary students got to know oranges at a whole new level this week. We practiced Mindful Eating using all 5 senses to observe a mandarin orange before we even peeled it. We noticed tiny oil-filled dimples on the skin, star shapes where it attached to a branch, and slight changes in the colour of different parts of the fruit. We noticed crinkly sounds as we removed the skin. We found the segments cool and smooth. And there were teeny tiny ballons inside each bursting with flavours, both sweet and bitter. Some of us noticed that we had different sensations or tasted different flavours on different parts of our tongues. A fascinating AND delicious experience. Some of us thought we might try Mindful Eating with other foods as well.
The Intermediate students have begun learning how to engrave stones. Using dremels, safety goggles and gloves, we are creating designs on smooth stones from a nearby beach. Eventually, these little works of art will be available for sale as part of our annual charity fundraiser.
Mystery Box Plays: Small groups were given a box with an odd assortment of puppets, and natural materials. In the course of one afternoon, we wrote and performed plays based on the content of the box. Lots of creative collaboration and silly (SILLY!) fun.
First term report cards have gone home. Those that were not picked up in person are available for parent pick up in the blue tote inside the front doors of the school.
Last call for Gastropods! Please send a clean container to take home a cute little aquatic snail. They come with a “Care and Feeding” page. The last day for pick up is Monday, December 18.
Pajama Party Day is next week on the last day before the Winter Break (December 19 and 22). Wear your PJs, bring a cozy blanket and some goodies to share, as we enjoy hot chocolate, peppermint tea, silly games and stories.
Grade 4 to 7 Interim reports are due tomorrow, December 14th. Please send with your child or submit digitally by Noon.
Looking for ideas to stay active and keep learning over the upcoming Winter Break?
Research your pet snail. Write a story from the point of view of your pet snail…what would they notice going on in your home through the glass of their new home?
Look for birds. Do you see different birds from other times of year? Choose one and research where it travels to and from through the seasons.
Choreograph a gymnastic routine for a snowflake. Why did you choose that particular music for your choreography? Let me know in January if you would like to perform your routine for your classmates.
If you have out-of-town visitors over the holiday, conduct an interview about what their life was like when they were your age. What are some differences? What are some similarities?
YOU Dance (Youth, Outreach and Understanding Dance) was launched in 2007 is a FREE program designed to inspire elementary students, foster a deeper connection to the arts, captivate and enrich imaginations and encourage them to explore the world through dance. YOU dance is The National Ballet of Canada’s signature Community Engagement initiative and reaches a growing range of students from various communities across Canada.
-by LBaker