I had the great opportunity to attend an inspiring and innovative ‘unconference’ this weekend at Royal Oak Middle School. Basically, 300 people from around Vancouver Island with interests in education (teachers, administrators, parents, students) gathered together to discuss, share and make connections. There was no preplanned schedule, and topics were decided on by the attendees as the day unfolded. My passion for my job was fuelled and I have many great ideas with which I will share with my class, especially in relation to using ‘inquiry’ (asking driving questions and gathering information to address these questions). I feel that inquiry is an essential part in the learning process and when students wonder and ask questions about things, they are more active engaged with their own learning. Something new that I have discovered lately is the concept of ‘genius hour’ – basically time is set aside each week for students to develop driving questions and become immersed in projects that they are passionate about. Google Headquarters (considered one of the top places to work in the world!) incorporates this idea of ‘passion projects’ and finds that their employees are more creative, collaborate better, are motivated and engaged, and think more critically when given time to work on their own projects. It’s no wonder that it is starting to seep into the field of education, especially at the middle school level! Stay tuned for more information about how inquiry and ‘genius hour’ are being incorporated into our class.
This Wednesday, our entire school will take part in the annual Terry Fox Run. It is rare to find anyone who has not been touched by cancer in some way. Today I shared a letter written by Terry Fox on the eve of his leg amputation. It’s a bittersweet letter and his writing is full of hope and promise as he prepared himself both mentally and physically for his run across Canada. Terry Fox truly is a Canadian hero and I hope my students understand the importance of the legacy he has left: to always look out and help others; to fight for what you believe in; and to never give up. Just like Terry Fox, everyone faces challenges and struggles; it is my hope that my students can also find the strength and determination to be the best they can be and to always find the positive in life’s most challenging moments. The legacy that Terry Fox left is far-reaching; hopefully our involvement in the run this week will inspire my students to think about the legacy that they too will leave.
We are fundraising for the Terry Fox foundation, so if you can donate any money – even just a twoonie – that would be appreciated.
Here are our assignments this week:
ELA – ‘Worldview Map’ is due this week, include a summary statement. Div. 8-03 due Wednesday; Div. 8-06 due Tuesday.
Socials – finish the terms and connections for the comparative worldview unit, and complete the chart that compares major world religions. Div. 8-03 due next Tuesday; Div. 8-06 due Friday.
French – penpal letters were started today. I will mail them to Cholet, France next week. Due Tuesday, Oct. 13.
This Wednesday, our entire school will take part in the annual Terry Fox Run. It is rare to find anyone who has not been touched by cancer in some way. Today I shared a letter written by Terry Fox on the eve of his leg amputation. It’s a bittersweet letter and his writing is full of hope and promise as he prepared himself both mentally and physically for his run across Canada. Terry Fox truly is a Canadian hero and I hope my students understand the importance of the legacy he has left: to always look out and help others; to fight for what you believe in; and to never give up. Just like Terry Fox, everyone faces challenges and struggles; it is my hope that my students can also find the strength and determination to be the best they can be and to always find the positive in life’s most challenging moments. The legacy that Terry Fox left is far-reaching; hopefully our involvement in the run this week will inspire my students to think about the legacy that they too will leave.
We are fundraising for the Terry Fox foundation, so if you can donate any money – even just a twoonie – that would be appreciated.
Here are our assignments this week:
ELA – ‘Worldview Map’ is due this week, include a summary statement. Div. 8-03 due Wednesday; Div. 8-06 due Tuesday.
Socials – finish the terms and connections for the comparative worldview unit, and complete the chart that compares major world religions. Div. 8-03 due next Tuesday; Div. 8-06 due Friday.
French – penpal letters were started today. I will mail them to Cholet, France next week. Due Tuesday, Oct. 13.