tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31749283490862836042024-03-13T21:39:14.903-07:00Tales from the ClassroomWelcome to 'Tales from the Classroom' ... with Ms WeightMs Weighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199023460502824960noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3174928349086283604.post-26377036602379046492016-12-09T16:19:00.000-08:002016-12-09T23:36:24.530-08:00Feb - Dec<div style="text-align: center;">
How did that happen, a year of learning already done and dusted! That year has to go down in history as the fastest year EVER! February to December already completed. It was a year of incredible growth personally, academically and spiritually. My little people have faced the mountain of learning and scaled its heights with determination, I couldn't be prouder. Every step of the learning journey developing resilience, perseverance, determination and success. </div>
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We are not only growing the brightest minds of the future but also the hearts and souls of tomorrow's generation. How we do that matters! Every word, every decision, every step is forming character, fortitude and significance in the little people sitting before us. Limitless potential sits waiting. We have one year to bring it forth, to speak to its existence, and make it believe that anything is truly possible. At the end of a year we hope that we have given our little people deep roots for learning and strong wings to fly as high as they possibly can.</div>
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<i>Two years on and our little campus is experiencing amazing growth. We are bursting at the seams. These last two years have seen us plough tough terrain as we launched our new campus in 2015 as a P-3 school with 5 classes. It has been an honour and privilege to invest my heart and soul into building the future of Christian schooling as Campus Co-ordinator. The vision expanded this year into a P- 4 school and we have stretched our capacity in so many different directions. We have added a new classroom block of 10 classrooms. Next Year we become a P-5 school with the addition of 6 more classes. We have sown into a legacy of hope and purpose and waved the banner of peace over all that we do. We are expectant for this next season and in the years ahead. We know we are investing in the future and paving the way for the plans and purposes of God to be outworked. In 2019 we launch our first high school program. We still have a long way to go but we are well on the way!</i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #23221f; font-family: "open sans" , "arial" , "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><i>And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:18</i></span></div>
Ms Weighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199023460502824960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3174928349086283604.post-23373655137254977582016-02-29T02:12:00.000-08:002016-12-09T23:35:29.438-08:00Sometimes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">So here we go, another year sits before us as we delve into curriculum, culture and community. Another year to develop our curriculum, grow our school culture and community, while forging robust resilient character in everyone. 2016 will see our little campus go from five classes to seven. I am so excited for what the future holds. I still pinch myself that I get to do this job and oversee the growth and plans at Pimpama! I thank my lucky stars and am grateful to my heavenly father who has trusted me with this vision. Sometimes it takes my breath away.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away.</span></i></div>
Ms Weighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199023460502824960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3174928349086283604.post-29385216430294905342016-01-31T00:30:00.000-08:002016-01-31T00:30:38.825-08:00Be who you are<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In a world of compromise and comparisons, it is vital that we live above the maddening crowd. </div>
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Stop accepting less than the best, you deserve better. Give yourself permission to shine.You were born for greatness. The seeds of hope and destiny are buried deep within you. </div>
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Remove the limitations that confine you to small minded thinking. Open your heart and soul wide to limitless possibility. The creative genius within you is busting to break free. Don't let it die before it has time to grow.</div>
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Be who you are, WHO you were born to be!</div>
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Live life being your authentic self, no one can ever be you!</div>
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Those who love you will celebrate what makes you unique, the rest doesn't matter at all. May what truly matters - that glorious potential of your heart and soul, you without all the fuss, shine brighter than stars above.</div>
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Shine ever brighter!</div>
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<br />Ms Weighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199023460502824960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3174928349086283604.post-19344614482278723082015-11-30T05:01:00.001-08:002015-11-30T12:51:41.668-08:00Limitless Possibility<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As we come to the end of another year, I am reminded about my goals at the beginning of the year to</div>
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open young minds to limitless possibilities, and to engage the intellect and imagination in daring pursuits of academic rigour and challenge. I want my students to walk away from this year not only with expansive knowledge or newly developed skills but something much deeper. I want them to really truly know that they have what it takes to find their own path and stay their course. I want them to believe in themselves as learners but also as remarkable individuals with the ability to make their own mark on the world - that they can and SHOULD do this!</div>
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I want them to know that they have what it takes, even on the toughest of days, despite the difficulty and despite the upheavals. They really can achieve feats of greatness. I want to show them where to look so they truly see what they are capable of!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i>Learning is so much deeper than the every day results!</i></span></div>
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I try to focus on this daily, some days are definitely better than others. It's easy to get caught up in the delivery of well executed lessons and achieving specific outcomes. Good intentions get pushed to the back burner. As I reflect on a year gone by, I analyse critically on how I have gone throughout the year. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i>Did I show more or tell more? </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I want my students to look within themselves and see what I see!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i>Limitless possibility!</i></span></div>
Ms Weighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199023460502824960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3174928349086283604.post-35004262492790742362015-10-31T02:56:00.000-07:002015-10-31T16:06:16.104-07:00Light the way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Light the way with the words you say!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">As a teacher we have a responsibility to speak words of hope into the hearts and minds of the littlest people of the earth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Little people look to us to validate who they are and who they are becoming. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Each word spoken will </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">shape</span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">a heart, influence a mind and grow a soul. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Words take root deep within, weaving themselves into the tight fabric of </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">possibility</span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">sitting before us. Our words will awaken a perspective, they will grow a thought and develop a belief. The words we speak should be measured with tenderness - our mission to </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">nourish</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span>the intellect and expand the soul. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">May our words plant possibility so tenderly and lovingly. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">May our words acknowledge capability and strengthen </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">ability</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">May our words </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">fortify</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> every student to believe anything really is achievable. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">May our words cause a flourishing of boundless </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">creativity </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">that propels children into unknown frontiers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">~ Shape Possibility ~ Nourish Ability ~ Fortify Creativity ~</span></div>
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<br />Ms Weighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199023460502824960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3174928349086283604.post-15344491881007203842015-09-29T14:46:00.000-07:002015-09-29T14:46:10.867-07:00Cross Grade GroupingThis year we have been in the unique position of implementing cross grade group learning opportunities with our Prep to Year 3 students. At the heart of our school focus lies the belief that by establishing a strong culture of connectedness, we lay the foundations for a compassionate community of purposeful and fully engaged learners. This approach is guided by the understanding that each of us have varying strengths, skill and passion to contribute to our learning community.<br />
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Cross grade groups allow students to work with other students of varying abilities, ages and interests. We have found this helpful with students of all ability levels and to be especially useful in developing cross grade friendships with our older students, and particularly valuable for improving the social skills of our younger students. Developing a collaborative school culture that focuses on care, cooperation and consideration requires considerable thought around how students learn best. Learning friendships are a vital element of any school community. Valuing the unique contribution of every learner ensures an embracive approach to learning. This is the journey that we are on.<br />
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Multi-level learning opportunities have allowed time for our students who might be struggling to work alongside more able peers in a powerful peer tutoring experience. A student with a strength in reading enjoys the chance to read aloud to a friend while enhancing their own fluency and automaticity. A struggling reader listens to the flow of words, perhaps learns new skills for decoding unfamiliar words (or implements taught strategies with assistance) with both students delving deeper into the comprehension of text through a final discussion at the end. Likewise a struggling reader with strengths in another area is valued for their contribution during the collaboration process at another time. A focus on each students strengths means that every student has something to offer the learning community from their unique perspective. We can all learn from each other, young and old alike. I have learnt a zillion interesting things about the age of the dinosaurs from a very passionate young soul.<br />
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The flip side of this is that when we acknowledge those areas that need strengthening, we give ourselves permission to find answers, question thinking, ask for help and allow true learning to take place. Learning should be identifiable by these specific characteristics. On a day to day basis, teachers are always taking into account each students differences in developmental levels and styles and catering for this within the classroom. Collaborating with other teachers and classes extends the parameters of the regular classroom, thus opening new frontiers for learning. This assists in developing wonderfully homogeneous learning contexts.<br />
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A collaboration of ability, skill and passion builds strength in every individual.<br />
<br />Ms Weighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199023460502824960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3174928349086283604.post-59127313796404944512015-08-31T05:47:00.002-07:002015-08-31T05:50:11.621-07:00ipad training in India<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What a privilege it was to work with these teachers and help them develop resource and ideas for use in their classrooms with only a single ipad in each class. Last year the ipads were donated to this particular school in Hyderabad through the fundraising efforts of teachers and students at our school on the Gold Coast, Australia. This year we took a team of staff over to train the teachers on the ipads, teach sewing to the young girls and build a much needed playground.</div>
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Fun on the new playground</div>
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We looked at a variety of different apps for use in the classroom and how teachers could use the ipad as a learning tool with only one ipad in each classroom. My favourite app at the moment is bookcreator. I love this apps ability to integrate learning across various platforms and to record a students learning journey in a meaningful and relevant way. Individual students can create their own ebook and the app allows for multiple users on the one ipad which is helpful when you are restricted with the number of ipads available in the classroom. </div>
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I use this app with my grade two students to document our weekly maths lessons. Each student completes hands on activities before taking photos of their learning. Students then record their learning journey week to week throughout the term. This is a great way to see at a glance how each student is going and if they have mastered new content taught each week. This is a useful tool for ongoing formative assessment. </div>
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<b><u>Mathematics - Student page (below)</u></b></div>
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We also use this app for our inquiry based learning tasks (<i>see screenshots below)</i> and to publish our writing. Students can illustrate their work directly on the ipad with the app or they can draw their own illustrations on paper before uploading photographs of their work. </div>
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<b><u>Inquiry Based Learning Tasks - Student pages</u></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AJcenwffVy4/VeRITnvK14I/AAAAAAAAApI/re3oVmNISaY/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-08-31%2Bat%2B10.21.53%2Bpm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AJcenwffVy4/VeRITnvK14I/AAAAAAAAApI/re3oVmNISaY/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-08-31%2Bat%2B10.21.53%2Bpm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tQLLYM8piyA/VeRItxhXVUI/AAAAAAAAApQ/HgEqIvv3U98/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-08-31%2Bat%2B10.21.59%2Bpm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tQLLYM8piyA/VeRItxhXVUI/AAAAAAAAApQ/HgEqIvv3U98/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-08-31%2Bat%2B10.21.59%2Bpm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I then save student work via google drive so we can print the ebooks at a later date. At the end of the year students will select their best work to be sent home.</div>
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You will love this app!</div>
Ms Weighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199023460502824960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3174928349086283604.post-86337957466946738202015-05-31T05:37:00.001-07:002016-12-09T23:05:03.756-08:00The journey of a thousand miles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yTmTxXEPRrc/VWr_0--79uI/AAAAAAAAAoU/7VdvHzjaAE8/s1600/a%2Bthousand%2Bsteps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yTmTxXEPRrc/VWr_0--79uI/AAAAAAAAAoU/7VdvHzjaAE8/s640/a%2Bthousand%2Bsteps.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Click the link - <a href="http://heartsoulexchange.blogspot.com.au/2015/05/the-other-side.html">'One step' with Heart n Soul Pursuits</a></i></div>
Ms Weighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199023460502824960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3174928349086283604.post-42558166156432587062015-04-25T01:22:00.000-07:002016-12-09T17:04:59.625-08:00The Learning Journey<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<b><i><span style="border: 1pt none; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "inherit" , "serif"; padding: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;">So here we are well into the school year and three months into life in a brand spanking new campus. I have the awesome job of running a new campus and teaching the little people in Grade Two. So much has happened and my heart is full. I couldn't be happier. </span></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="border: 1pt none; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "inherit" , "serif"; padding: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;"><br /></span></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="border: 1pt none; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "inherit" , "serif"; padding: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;">We are five classes strong and growing a very special community of people. This year we are focused on developing a strong culture for the years ahead. One that will stand the test of time. Our community matters and we know that the partnership between home and school is vital for laying a strong foundation of </span><span style="font-size: 20px;">future</span><span style="font-size: 15pt;"> growth. Together we impact eternity.</span></span></span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="border: 1pt none; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "inherit" , "serif"; padding: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;">We are pioneering and cultivating the plans and purposes of God in a barren stretch of scrubby land bordered with lush green sugar cane fields on one side and a ridge of tall scraggly trees on the other. We are flanked by the Translink railway line and </span><span style="font-size: 20px;">regularly</span><span style="font-size: 15pt;"> hear it rumbling past in the distance. This large parcel of swampy land will one day be a P- 12 school. Currently we are Prep to Year Three campus and housed in one classroom block of nine classrooms, three of which are devoted to Child Care purposes. </span></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "inherit" , "serif"; font-size: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "inherit" , "serif"; font-size: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm;">We are about to kick off the next step in our learning journey with the 'Genius Hour, a time given during the
school day to allow students the opportunity to engage with the curriculum
and learn about topics that personally interest them. Students are naturally
curious about the world around them and the Genius Hour fosters this childish
wonder and love of learning. It is an opportunity to engage with content at a personal
level with passion and purpose. </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "inherit" , "serif"; font-size: 15.0pt; padding: 0cm;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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The 'Genius Hour' outcomes are to develop a passion for learning through self-manifested
and self-directed learning opportunities. Students in the junior primary years need
support to develop and refine their research skills, primarily accessing
appropriate information and then sorting it out efficiently. I have therefore divided the learning into five segments or steps to help guide learning.</div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">The learning
journey is what it is all about!</span></i></b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"> 1. Wondering - </span></b><span lang="EN-US">Students should begin to wonder about the topic being studied. What
interests them? What would they like to find out? Students then formulate a
question after thoughtful discussion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"> 2. Finding Out – </span></b><span lang="EN-US">Students make sense of ideas important to them. This is where
research begins and students record interesting facts. Encourage students to
record their findings – in a notebook, ipad, journal (No worksheets). Refine
the finding out to a particular area of interest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Handwriting - Dakota"'><span
style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span lang=EN-US>Ask<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>
<span lang=EN-US style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:
"Handwriting - Dakota";mso-no-proof:yes'><v:shape id="_x0000_i1028" type="#_x0000_t75"
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</v:shape></span><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Handwriting - Dakota"'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>
<span lang=EN-US style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:
"Handwriting - Dakota"'>Investigate<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>
<span lang=EN-US style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:
"Handwriting - Dakota";mso-no-proof:yes'><v:shape id="_x0000_i1027" type="#_x0000_t75"
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</v:shape></span><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Handwriting - Dakota"'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>
<span lang=EN-US style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:
"Handwriting - Dakota"'>Create<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span lang=EN-US style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:
"Handwriting - Dakota";mso-no-proof:yes'><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_14"
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</v:shape></span><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Handwriting - Dakota"'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span lang=EN-US style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:
"Handwriting - Dakota"'>Discuss<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span lang=EN-US style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:
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</v:shape></span><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Handwriting - Dakota"'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>
<span lang=EN-US style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:
"Handwriting - Dakota"'>Reflect<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"> 3. Reflecting –</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> During the reflection stage, students
should be encouraged to ask the question, ‘What is it that interests me the
most? At this stage students should reflect and refine learning to analyse
findings, evaluate information gathered, make decisions about where the learning
is taking them and engage in problem solving processes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"> 4. Designing – </span></b><span lang="EN-US">How would the student like to present their learning? Students
create a product that demonstrates their learning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Problem Solve</span></i><span lang="EN-US">… What are the problems?,
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Make Decisions</span></i><span lang="EN-US">… What do I do now? What
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a product that demonstrates the students learning. </span>i.e an ebook,
podcast, poster etc.</div>
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Ms Weighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199023460502824960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3174928349086283604.post-62293762186055521312014-11-29T04:06:00.003-08:002015-04-26T01:55:17.982-07:00Get on your way!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vo4aF4pU6DY/VHm1F0HcVoI/AAAAAAAAAfo/cxdwA-7HnCA/s1600/Dr%2BSeuss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vo4aF4pU6DY/VHm1F0HcVoI/AAAAAAAAAfo/cxdwA-7HnCA/s1600/Dr%2BSeuss.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Yesterday I gave this to each of my students ... a little goodbye for the end of the year and a great reminder to not let the mountains of life stand in the way of moving forward. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Yesterday we laughed and cried as we ended a year of incredible growth, not only academically but also personally and spiritually. </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">We have embraced challenge and stepped out of our comfort zones with courage and determination. The seeds of purpose and destiny are flourishing well and I wish all of my students the very best for the season ahead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As teachers we are often focused on shaping young minds, but I have always found that my heart is shaped in return. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">As my students gathered for one last group hug, I was reminded of the power of who we are as living, breathing humanity. Amidst the tight wrangle of bodies embracing (and giggling) each other, I realised that it is not what we say that has the most sway, but how we make others feel that impacts for the long haul. I pray that every student holds hope tightly in their hands and ends this year not only with a mind full to the brim, but also with a heart full of empowering and loving memories. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>I wish you all a Merry Christmas for the wonderful season ahead.</i></span></div>
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<br />Ms Weighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199023460502824960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3174928349086283604.post-64590571613622404012014-10-31T06:49:00.001-07:002015-04-26T01:52:56.281-07:00Life Lessons ~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lg7hatFiDlI/VFOM3ial0nI/AAAAAAAAAfY/pjg9X2b-c84/s1600/IMG_0132.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lg7hatFiDlI/VFOM3ial0nI/AAAAAAAAAfY/pjg9X2b-c84/s1600/IMG_0132.PNG" height="400" width="392" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As a teacher you have to be good at seeing into the future. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You have to trust that all that you sow into the life of a child in the year that they are in your classroom will really make a difference, you hope it will any way! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You have to see that child as the sum of all their ability right now but you also need to see them with all of their potential to come. Most of the time we don't see big changes or lasting impact in the year that we have them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><i>Change is slow - and growth is hard to see!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In one year we see small changes - increased reading levels, better recall of facts, friendships grow deeper and self esteem blossoms brighter. Sometimes I have the privilege of hearing my students stories, and I am flawed. Their lives are so busy. They face countless hurdles and struggle with big issues. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have to remind myself to pause and listen, to really listen to their hearts. </span><span style="font-size: large;">There is something about that tender heart reaching out and that precious soul pouring forth. I keep reminding myself that lessons don't always look the same or sound the same. Sometimes the really important lessons happen without any planning at all, right there on the carpet. Its those moments, the life lessons - the ones that I have not prepared for, that seem to make all the difference. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><i>In the flurry and hurry you might never know the full impact you have on your students, but never underestimate your ability to make someone else's life better - even if you never know it!</i></span></div>
Ms Weighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199023460502824960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3174928349086283604.post-55998908130424223472014-09-30T03:49:00.003-07:002015-04-26T01:53:30.456-07:00A good teacher ~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z_R7LFFoAiM/VCqKmqGNQDI/AAAAAAAAAfE/Y0c_Jv0oNyM/s1600/IMG_0094.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z_R7LFFoAiM/VCqKmqGNQDI/AAAAAAAAAfE/Y0c_Jv0oNyM/s1600/IMG_0094.PNG" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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The teacher life is lived pouring oneself out for the love of others, sometimes it is endless ... this emptying of a heart and soul. It goes on and on, especially when you are bent on achieving that next goal, implementing the next best thing or embracing best practice. There are days, endless days when the light within flickers and ideas grow dim. Energy wanes and creativity is spent ... and then I am reminded that it is this consuming energy that lights the path for the ones trailing the flickering light. </div>
<br />Ms Weighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199023460502824960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3174928349086283604.post-52218455268766474482014-08-31T05:10:00.002-07:002015-04-26T01:53:56.416-07:00Big heart, little minds ~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pqx6wbh6hpI/VAMQJ14JtVI/AAAAAAAAAe0/X7mTsBQ5PlQ/s1600/itakesabigheart1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pqx6wbh6hpI/VAMQJ14JtVI/AAAAAAAAAe0/X7mTsBQ5PlQ/s1600/itakesabigheart1.jpg" height="640" width="574" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Little minds is what it is all about, the filling and moulding of open vessels. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I have heard a lot lately about the importance of brain compatible learning and more recently the need for 'brain breaks' ... there is an abundance of new research and ideas on fostering the brain compatible classroom. A brain compatible classroom is one where educators realise <i>(as if we didn't already!)</i> that the brain IS the no. 1. organ for learning and we should not allow it to shut down. <i>(Hasn't that been the goal of teachers for centuries!) </i>Truly, it really does provide an interesting topic of discussion<i> (or debate)</i> in the school staffroom. </span><br />
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So, the goal of every good teacher is now ensuring that the cerebral cortex <i>(of every child in the classroom ... all 28 students)</i><i>, </i>where the vital thinking and learning occurs, does not shut down in your classroom - Help, they are yawning already and its only nine o'clock! My whole day is spent making sure that brains are switched on and ready for learning!</span><br />
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Seriously though, I love this research and that it is a hot topic of educational forums. As we continue to develop brain based education and brain based best practices, we endeavour to continue to pave the way for sound pedagogical practice and do the best for our students ... and this is the very basis of good education and the heart of every great teacher. There is real merit to the science behind brain compatible learning and ensuring that our little peoples brains are fully engaged and utilising all of their potential and capacity. The principles are sound and based on a thoughtful framework for thinking introspectively about teaching methodology. </span><br />
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Essentially;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">The brain should be in relaxed alertness, so an environment of low stress but high challenge.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">The brain should be immersed in carefully orchestrated complex and authentic experiences.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">The brain should be actively processing and making meaning of these experiences.</span><br />
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And so, in my pursuit of educational soundness, I am now researching the nine elements of brain compatible science that influence learning to ensure that the little people in my care are extracting meaningful patterns <i>(in sufficient time frames) </i>and adequately processing incoming data <i>(because to delay is to lose it - you snooze, you lose!) </i>and are in a classroom devoid of distraction, clutter and over stimulation .... oh dear, better get to it then!</span></div>
Ms Weighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199023460502824960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3174928349086283604.post-84667806236432221032014-07-31T02:34:00.000-07:002015-04-26T01:54:40.073-07:00Hope for tomorrow ~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fC0ofZoTjQE/U9oGoY3Ba2I/AAAAAAAAAeU/6LYe6i4vpNQ/s1600/_605155959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fC0ofZoTjQE/U9oGoY3Ba2I/AAAAAAAAAeU/6LYe6i4vpNQ/s1600/_605155959.jpg" height="306" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am often reminding my students to think carefully about their decisions as each decision has consequences - good and bad! This works particularly well with managing classroom behaviour.<br />
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In an effort to assist my students to make good choices in the classroom we have a behaviour chart that encourages students to work towards making great behaviour choices. This chart works really well as students are required to physically move their peg up or down the chart. Students have a specially marked peg with their name on it and they get to move their peg up or down the chart depending on the choices they make throughout the day or week. Demonstrating good choices and considerate behaviour allows students to move their peg up the chart while inappropriate or unthoughtful behaviour choices requires the student to move their peg down the chart.<br />
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At the beginning of the week every child begins on the read to learn card in the middle of the chart and if they have had to move it down, may move it back up to this card the next day so that each child has a fresh start every day - they learn from yesterday and try again next time. There is always hope for tomorrow. If the peg has moved upwards then students keep on moving their peg until the end of the week and do not need to go back to ready to learn each day. However if they fail to make good choices then their peg may get moved back. If students reach the top of the chart by the end of the week, an 'Outstanding Behaviour' note is sent home to parents to notify them of their child's efforts. Children may choose from various rewards for their effort. Notes are also sent home should a student find themselves at the bottom of the chart. It is not often that I need to send a note home for inappropriate behaviour and if it has happened it is very rare to have to do so again. Once is enough! Children love making great choices and encouragement to do so makes all the difference.<br />
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<br />Ms Weighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199023460502824960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3174928349086283604.post-62695257772673115042014-06-29T02:27:00.002-07:002015-01-11T13:52:49.498-08:00Visiting Rwanda ~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-etFvU733LhU/U6_MRiAUDqI/AAAAAAAAAdk/eIsI08OB2MU/s1600/IMG_0597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-etFvU733LhU/U6_MRiAUDqI/AAAAAAAAAdk/eIsI08OB2MU/s1600/IMG_0597.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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Last month I returned from Rwanda after two full weeks spent soaking up the incredible and life changing experiences with its beautiful people. I had the privilege of visiting a number of different schools and working with children so eager to participate in simple craft activities.</div>
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I worked with children so eager to use every day educational items like scissors. They snipped with purpose and determination. Such simple things brought pure delight. It is hard to believe that in this day and age, these every day items are not in every classroom around the world. </div>
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It is hard to describe the feeling of watching children as old as ten and eleven so intent on a task that I would otherwise not even think about. The determination on their faces struck me, so engaged and precise in the most simple of activities. Each so focused, with their pursed lips, their steady gaze and careful snipping. The wonder of childhood opened up and filled the four walls of an empty classroom. A simple task became something entirely different. Triumph was palatable, evident in the beaming smiles and shining eyes. </div>
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I stood there in that place and felt the weight of my role. </div>
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The significance of it pressed me, </div>
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reminding me why I chose this livelihood, </div>
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why I love doing what I do. </div>
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It brought me fresh perspective. </div>
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There is something truly beautiful about opening up a world of possibilities to little people. </div>
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Watching them achieve something that they didn't think they could do. </div>
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Every day I have the opportunity to inspire learning about life and the world at large, </div>
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to take children on a journey of discovery. </div>
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This is a privilege.</div>
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As teachers we open up possibilities to young people every day. </div>
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It is easy in the every day normality of life to forget the power in this. </div>
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I was grateful to be reminded that what I do should not be taken for granted, </div>
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that what I have to bring can't really be measured this year or next. </div>
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The reality of teaching is something much deeper, </div>
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it is an intangible impartation that can neither be measured </div>
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or even known for years to come. </div>
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Yes, results and data often and do measure progress and outcomes week by week, </div>
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but the true measure of success is layered deep in the heart and soul.</div>
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It is buried deep within these little people and built slowly year after year. </div>
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We teach facts and fiction, recite numbers, write stories </div>
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and learn a hundred and one things each and every year. </div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But there is so much learning that can never really be measured. </span></i></div>
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Rwanda reminded me of that. </div>
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How can we measure the wonder of childhood? </div>
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Or the delight in simple tasks or the building of self esteem from one day to the next? </div>
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What about feelings of success or a renewed belief in oneself? </div>
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How can you measure any of that? </div>
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<b>As I stood there that day, I was reminded that sometimes our smallest successes will be the most important lessons we ever learn. </b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sometimes the smallest things actually turn out to be the biggest things.</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XYQpn7Db9rk/U6_b71TZsDI/AAAAAAAAAeE/0pAGwFYpn00/s1600/IMG_1628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XYQpn7Db9rk/U6_b71TZsDI/AAAAAAAAAeE/0pAGwFYpn00/s1600/IMG_1628.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />Ms Weighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199023460502824960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3174928349086283604.post-74429961474592429862014-05-26T04:58:00.000-07:002015-01-11T13:53:03.431-08:00Learning through doing ~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2etqUBB8WG8/U4MoQhKu8CI/AAAAAAAAAdI/f7jM9szqlq8/s1600/20140325_102017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2etqUBB8WG8/U4MoQhKu8CI/AAAAAAAAAdI/f7jM9szqlq8/s1600/20140325_102017.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQOGrWkz1tw/U4MolW-0EpI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/bjOXCheJ6JA/s1600/20140325_102157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQOGrWkz1tw/U4MolW-0EpI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/bjOXCheJ6JA/s1600/20140325_102157.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Whenever I can, I try to use concrete materials to introduce Mathematical concepts. Data and graphing is a great opportunity for providing hands on learning experiences. Children love the opportunity to work alongside each other and work through challenging concepts or problems. It is important for students to work out problems by doing and being actively engaged in the experience. They then need to articulate their learning by discussing how they have arrived at particular solutions to complex problems and scenarios, thus forging strong neural pathways and ensuring the development of sound mathematical understanding and reasoning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><i>I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.</i></span></div>
Ms Weighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199023460502824960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3174928349086283604.post-77792866321394793802014-04-10T23:04:00.004-07:002015-01-28T03:20:43.943-08:00Unlikely Hero - Finding the hero within! ~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gJn0Cnd4nEs/U0eFP_j6GmI/AAAAAAAAAcA/9JTZs_jbhBQ/s1600/About-Unlikely-Heroes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gJn0Cnd4nEs/U0eFP_j6GmI/AAAAAAAAAcA/9JTZs_jbhBQ/s1600/About-Unlikely-Heroes.jpg" height="244" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a href="http://unlikelyheroesstudios.com/about-us/">Image Source</a></span><br />
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">This May, we will discover the hero within.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">We will learn that there is a hero in each of us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">We will realize, that we all have a part to play.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">We will find out how to be that hero.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">This May, there are hero’s rising!<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">~//~<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">An
unlikely hero is someone who does not fit the mould of how a hero should look or
how a hero should sound, yet is a hero nonetheless because they are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">willing-to-be-a-hero</i>! They are willing
to embrace need, respond compassionately and act purposefully.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">They are optimistic, seek challenge, find solutions,
see the best, speak hope, bring change and deliver justice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">An everyday hero is unassuming. They do not
draw attention to themselves; instead they look for opportunity to bring change
to their world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Akm4iROZtrQ/U0eFbhYd5LI/AAAAAAAAAcI/BGXs4tITEg4/s1600/Unlikely+hero+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Akm4iROZtrQ/U0eFbhYd5LI/AAAAAAAAAcI/BGXs4tITEg4/s1600/Unlikely+hero+1.jpeg" height="326" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a href="http://www.catalystchurch.tv/news">Image source</a></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">I want my students to learn, that an
unlikely hero is buried deep inside each of us. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I want them to know that </i>… to know that every person, whether old
or young, tall or small has a hero residing within, just waiting to rise. I
want my students to know that despite difficulties, heartbreak or pain, they
can do something, and should do something to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘Be the Change’</i>. More than anything, I want them to know, that they
have what it takes to BE that change!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">This May, we will be reading stories about the most
unlikely of hero’s. We will explore the life and heart of a hero. My students will
learn that there is a hero waiting to rise within them! We will write stories
of unlikely hero’s, delving deep into our imagination, pushing past the limits
of impossibilities. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">This May, my students will embark upon a hero’s quest,
a journey into their own hearts, and discover that courage and bravery are
fought on the battle lines of our ordinary, everyday experiences.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/group/8277529"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image Source</span></a></span></i></div>
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Ms Weighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199023460502824960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3174928349086283604.post-71590632637796035032014-03-29T04:06:00.001-07:002015-01-11T13:53:50.490-08:00Teaching Grade Four ~A new year and a new grade ... Well we are nearly at the end of the first term and what a term it has been. Grade four has been a fabulous new experience and I so love their zest for learning - fast and furious! They are exuberant learners with a passion to know everything. So loving this age and how focused they are on doing their best and soaking up every morsel of information that comes their way.<br />
<br />
What I know about Grade Four students,<br />
- They are fun<br />
- giggle, a lot<br />
- love reading chapter books<br />
- find maths challenging<br />
- love collecting things<br />
- scream at silly things<br />
- are learning to negotiate differences<br />
- take toilet breaks often<br />
- forget things, regularly<br />
- make excuses<br />
- are learning to become independent learners<br />
- are fascinated with living things<br />
- enjoy reading to each other<br />
- have messy desks<br />
- seek your approval<br />
- like to tell you random stuff<br />
- love attention<br />
- and the list goes on<br />
<br />
In saying all this, I realise I have a big year ahead of me, really big. But I am so up for this. I think it will be my best year yet. Good times ahead.<br />
<br />Ms Weighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199023460502824960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3174928349086283604.post-5422493156947043182013-12-30T15:07:00.003-08:002015-01-11T13:52:38.358-08:00Creating Positive Learning Environments ~<div style="text-align: center;">
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Good thoughts are powerful and creative, having physical and emotional implications on our heart, soul, spirit and body. For children it is vital that we get this right, at home, school and the world at large. It is critical that the early years of education are affirming and that we provide positive opportunities for optimal personal growth not only academically, but also emotionally. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>Negative words are destructive, criticism ugly, gossip deadly. </i></span></div>
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Negative experiences will always cause us to pause and rethink how we will approach the next learning curve. If these painful and hurtful experiences are systematically and relentlessly aversive then we learn to pull back. We shrink back from life and stop moving forward. Negative thinking is quickly and deeply entrenched, stunting personal growth and momentum. Learning ceases when the emotional and social aspects of a child are out of alignment. Children fail to thrive when they are consumed with fitting in to their peer group. The need to belong and feel accepted is a powerful and driving force for all of humanity. Negative words shape personal beliefs about ourselves and become our internal dialogue ... Am I good enough, smart enough, funny enough?</div>
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Negative thoughts are extremely difficult to dislodge, particularly when a child has begun to reinforce this thought with daily negative self talk. I am more aware of this than ever before. Realigning thinking and changing the atmosphere of the classroom is a daily objective of mine. Do I get this right all the time?, No ... in a perfect world my classroom would function like a dream, however, we deal with real people with real problems and sometimes what happens at home spills over into the classroom. Children arrive a little out of sorts, they arrive late, too early, some rushed to school in a world wind of morning expectations. Sometimes the timetable is tight, I rush head long right into the next learning task or activity, missing red flags. I mistake disappointment as defiance. I've moved on before I realise. I backtrack, change tack and shift my focus. Sometimes, the academic schedule has to wait while thinking is realigned and the atmosphere recharged. Words of hope are offered, kind words fill small spaces around tender hearts. I have an ideal of what a positive classroom should look like most of the time. I aim for that every day.</div>
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At some point we all face these lethal forces - self doubt, unkind words and hurtful criticism to name just a few. Learning to deal with these the negative elements of life to emerge confident, sure and more hopeful is critical for academic advancement. In order to build and grow a positive internal framework, positive experiences need to be continual, successive and accumulative. How students bounce back from these experiences is important. Resiliency is key to continued growth as a hopeful, optimistic and determined human being. We must ensure that the early years of childhood have more positive experiences than negative ones, that our classrooms are safe havens for personal and academic growth, that we take time to listen, notice and validate the people in our care. As students choose to bounce back from hurtful experiences they need life giving and affirming words of praise and encouragement, the building blocks of self esteem and personal affirmation. They need to be praised for being forgiving, kind and determined individuals. Positive reinforcement is like honey, sweet and healing. It is health to the soul. If we saturate our classrooms with words of hope, purpose and kindness then the children who walk out of our rooms walk with their heads a little higher, their hearts a little wider.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eUem3VNEf4c/UsHgs3divHI/AAAAAAAAAbo/soHTIqKJbIo/s1600/if-you-have-good-thoughts-they-will-shine-out-of-your-face-like-sunbeams-and-you-will-always-look-lovely-roald-dahl-thinking-kindness-quote-taolife+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eUem3VNEf4c/UsHgs3divHI/AAAAAAAAAbo/soHTIqKJbIo/s640/if-you-have-good-thoughts-they-will-shine-out-of-your-face-like-sunbeams-and-you-will-always-look-lovely-roald-dahl-thinking-kindness-quote-taolife+copy.png" height="640" width="508" /></a></div>
Ms Weighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199023460502824960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3174928349086283604.post-48294066295068465522013-11-30T03:42:00.002-08:002015-01-11T13:54:00.217-08:00Dear Students ~<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">As we come to the end of the year, I wish all my darling students the very best for the journey ahead. I have loved this year and feel very privileged to have been your teacher this year. We have come so far! I wish you all the best. Looking forward to hearing your stories in the years ahead. xx</span></div>
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<br />Ms Weighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199023460502824960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3174928349086283604.post-37946739979403774062013-10-26T02:24:00.002-07:002015-04-26T01:55:02.704-07:00Time is flying by much too fast!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I wrote this a few weeks ago ... I always feel a little poignant at the end of the year. After a year of investing every day into the lives of our little people it is with a certain amount of sadness that we prepare to say goodbye to the little treasures we have had for the year. It never seems to get any easier ... goodbyes are always hard. The end of the year always makes me reflective, 'How could I do things differently?', 'What worked?', 'What didn't work?' ... and I always <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>hope </i></span>that I do this, (in the words of Albert Einstein), <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">'It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.' </span></div>
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<br />Ms Weighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199023460502824960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3174928349086283604.post-55457104871748537542013-09-14T19:51:00.000-07:002015-01-11T14:08:22.836-08:00Story Telling ~We have been reading a variety of different fairytales this term as we continue to explore features of a narrative. Fairytales are a great way of exploring the elements of a story as these stories use a familiar beginning with the use of 'Once upon a time' and a predictable ending with 'living happily ever after.' Children love the familiarity and predictability of these stories and just love joining in to read the text aloud as a whole class. We have been applying the B.A.R strategy to the learning of fairytales, looking at how we can make a story ... B - Better, A - Add something to it or R - Remove/Replace an element to make it more interesting. After listening to a selection of stories and taking them apart through discussion and reconstruction, students are better equipped to start writing on their own. Rein-acting elements of fairy tales offers opportunity to use dialogue and language purposefully in a tactile and kinaesthetic way. This <i>think and do </i>philosophy to learning engages the whole person in learning, activating both the mind and body to consolidate the whole learning process.<br />
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<b>The B.A.R Strategy</b><br />
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B - Better</div>
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A - Add</div>
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R - Remove/Replace</div>
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<i>Student suggestions included a few of the following,</i></div>
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<b>We could make a story better by:</b></div>
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using different settings i.e a city, a bridge or a swamp instead of the forest, </div>
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by including a moral into the story like fables do,</div>
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or changing the scary elements </div>
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and characters featured in the story so people don't get eaten!</div>
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<b>We could add something by:</b></div>
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creating a new scene,</div>
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incorporating a different character into the story</div>
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(or by adding extra details), </div>
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like Red Riding Hood walking through the forest </div>
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with a friend and not by herself.</div>
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<b>We could remove or replace something by: </b></div>
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using different adjectives or nouns within the text,</div>
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removing Red Riding Hoods cape and giving her a name instead.</div>
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Or swapping the big bad wolf for a stranger in the woods!</div>
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<i>(and include a new protagonist later on)</i></div>
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Or removing the wood cutter and replacing him with her Dad.</div>
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<i>(A new hero - My Grade Ones loved this idea!)</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Drawing upon a rich fabric of ideas assists students to write creatively and imaginatively.</span></div>
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Ms Weighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199023460502824960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3174928349086283604.post-50484009485273153622013-08-12T05:19:00.001-07:002015-01-11T13:54:22.901-08:00Hands on learning in Mathematics ~<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Hands on
learning during mathematics activities offers students opportunity to
manipulate objects and make connections with abstract ideas. It is a very
powerful tool for teaching while also instilling a love
of learning, in particular a love of math related activities. This
assists in establishing essential cognitive pathways and enhances development
for academic sucess.
Students essentially construct their own mathematical understanding
in authentic and meaningful ways. Using concrete materials
allows students to do this purposefully and intentionally.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 13.0pt;">As a young
learner myself, I consistently found math tasks threatening and disempowering.
My neural pathways were blocked from tension, anxiety and worry over
the learning of math concepts and </span><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "Courier New Italic"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New Italic";">nothing</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 13.0pt;"> could
bypass this blockage in my thought processes. It was only much later
in life that I realised I was in fact a good problem solver and could
systematically apply learning in relevant and methodical ways,
eventually discovering a new found confidence and awe of the math experience.
As a teacher of young children I
take personal responsibility in ensuring that
these early experiences are above all fun, but
also sufficiently challenging and highly rewarding. My desire is that
every student discover how fun mathematics can really be ... in
non threatening and highly encouraging learning environments.</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-px866cCSaFk/UgjJaCxxW0I/AAAAAAAAAXo/Om2ZFJqMIeE/s1600/Sharing+learning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-px866cCSaFk/UgjJaCxxW0I/AAAAAAAAAXo/Om2ZFJqMIeE/s640/Sharing+learning.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 17px;">Here we are measuring the area of a variety of different shapes. </span></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Students in
their formative years of learning depend heavily on concrete materials for
cognitive development. When students engage in this type of learning they are
building and consolidating knowledge and retaining learning of the fundamentals
in a more educationally sound manner. Working together with
peers helps students articulate what they are learning as they share and
consolidate concepts being taught. Talking about learning helps embed new
concepts in the newly forming brain path ways, building better connections
and understanding for long term academic success.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 13.0pt;">'A teacher affects
eternity, he can never tell where his influence stops' - Henry Adams</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Ms Weighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199023460502824960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3174928349086283604.post-81672530324703186742013-07-02T02:08:00.000-07:002015-01-11T15:01:06.117-08:00Dr Seuss Fun ~<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My students had a lot of fun doctoring their sentences using their Dr Seuss hats. We love Dr Seuss and the children loved this writing task. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We made our hats then got to work. I provided students with a few sentences in need of a little fixing. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Students decided on words they could use to </span><span style="font-size: large;">replace the word 'said', then used a bandaid (instead of sticky tape) to place over the word in each sentence. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0_o0Zcbyqs/UdKWUJvuWaI/AAAAAAAAAXY/zS7Ts1ThZkg/s1600/Dr+Seuss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0_o0Zcbyqs/UdKWUJvuWaI/AAAAAAAAAXY/zS7Ts1ThZkg/s640/Dr+Seuss.jpg" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A great way to teach students complex and </span><span style="font-size: large;">interesting</span><span style="font-size: large;"> sentences.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The students enjoyed moderating their voice to expressively read their sentences to each other.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jCfxSZ1kvSY/UdKVqixbqdI/AAAAAAAAAXU/OGsd9uoNlFE/s1600/Goldilocks+story.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jCfxSZ1kvSY/UdKVqixbqdI/AAAAAAAAAXU/OGsd9uoNlFE/s400/Goldilocks+story.jpg" height="183" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ms Weighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199023460502824960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3174928349086283604.post-86734609580999964602013-05-28T05:49:00.001-07:002015-01-11T13:58:04.896-08:00Digging into learning ~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NDLmHWE2vUA/UaSeMpYMDdI/AAAAAAAAAV8/S9vNbtzepcQ/s1600/20130409_093648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NDLmHWE2vUA/UaSeMpYMDdI/AAAAAAAAAV8/S9vNbtzepcQ/s640/20130409_093648.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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This term we have been researching dinosaurs and fossils as part of our explorations on our changing world. I found this great fossil kit (Dig it out) at the Taronga Zoo. The children had great fun taking turns to unearth the fossil buried inside. I also hid some small plastic dinosaurs in the school yard sandpit for students to discover, so much fun! They were delighted to find the dinosaurs buried all over the place as they experimented with being an archaeologist, setting students off on their own path of discovery. </div>
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This certainly encouraged students to go further and dig deeper with their learning. Everybody was very keen to share their findings with a buddy or the whole class. Which proved helped when it was time to do our individual speeches on our favourite dinosaur. Instead of being hesitant to stand up in front of their peers, students were eager to share their knowledge with the class.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IjcWbFxavf0/UaSeg77SiII/AAAAAAAAAWE/8632Lyqj2L8/s1600/20130503_131050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IjcWbFxavf0/UaSeg77SiII/AAAAAAAAAWE/8632Lyqj2L8/s640/20130503_131050.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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As part of this unit of study we implemented higher order thinking skills into a blooms and multiple intelligence matrix to offer opportunity to extend thinking and learning for all students. Children needed to accrue a certain number of points (for each activity) over a seven week period before completing a culminating task. The more complex tasks were allocated higher points, taking longer to complete and included a number of steps that students needed to carefully work through. This allowed for autonomy and independence to bloom and grow - great skills for Grade Ones to develop early in their learning journey.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-avvQs1_KhGE/UaShIQZi6KI/AAAAAAAAAWU/EXi-wxV4S2k/s1600/20130409_095928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-avvQs1_KhGE/UaShIQZi6KI/AAAAAAAAAWU/EXi-wxV4S2k/s640/20130409_095928.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Students loved worked with a buddy as they researched and gathered information from a variety of sources. The iPads were a great learning tool, which were made a whole lot easier for the children to use (and access information) with suitable websites being pre saved to the home screen prior to use. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CC9vI6JTXTs/UaSnwatuVjI/AAAAAAAAAW0/HG-u0x3Bhco/s1600/20130419_131506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CC9vI6JTXTs/UaSnwatuVjI/AAAAAAAAAW0/HG-u0x3Bhco/s640/20130419_131506.jpg" height="568" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fossil is a creature that died a long time ago. It's body turned into rock.</td></tr>
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There is nothing better as a teacher than seeing students fully engaged and excited about learning. I found myself expectant and eager for 'Project Hour' each week as I watched students immersed in 'hands on' learning opportunities. Watching the excitement light up their faces as they called me to check out 'this and that' was so very satisfying. We <i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">ALL </span></i>learnt a lot!</div>
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Ms Weighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06199023460502824960noreply@blogger.com0