Sunday, October 28, 2012



Just learnt how to do this after reading another person's blog. They could be used for numerous things, such as birthday tags and displays. There are different shapes you can choose from or you can import your own shape to use. Great idea! Thanks, 123Teach and A Turn to Learn.

Saturday, October 27, 2012


This greeted the children and parents when they first came to my room. I've kept it up since and the students regularly read a word on it. I've explained that they are all these people when they come into my room. At some stage while they're here, they'll demonstrate the characteristics of all of these people.

Thursday, October 25, 2012


Our Grade 1 classes recently began a PYP Unit of Inquiry titled 'Taking Care of Yourself'. Our Tuning In activity was a presentation by the school nurse about the correct way to wash your hands, and importantly, to use soap when doing so. The children learnt how to do this and have practiced in the class each time before they eat or after they use the bathroom. We also learnt in Writer's Workshop what a procedural text is, when it's used, the characteristics present, and how to create one. Putting these 2 learning experiences together, we decided that we should make signs to display so that everyone in the school would know the correct way to wash their hands and that way the germs wouldn't be spread from person to person. Working together, with minimal input but ready support from me, the students worked out what to include in their procedure. They wrote, revised and edited their work before finally settling on the final text. The students worked out where to place the signs and they were taped to the walls outside the toilets on the first and second floors. They were very proud of their effort and the comments they have received from those who have seen them. Immediate validation and acclamation of their work in two connected learning areas.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Where to find resources



I have found many wonderful resources through this site which is by teachers for teachers. Check it out. You'll be amazed.

Friday, October 12, 2012

A typical Fall scene in Japan.

A beautiful Fall scene often observed in Japan.
Welcome to my first blog!
I've visited so many over the years and especially this year when I changed grades from kindergarten to grade 1. You wouldn't believe how many marvellous, creative, innovative, informative and eye-catching blogs are out there. Some of the pages I follow are on the left. Full of ideas!