Good morning, We are having beautiful weather this weekend and I hope that you are enjoying outdoor family walks. Our family has been walking Colliery Dam and Lynley Valley. Recently we discovered the petting zoo in Lantzville at Superior Farms and loved how clean and well cared for the animals are. This month in the forest the children found a bird's nest and we enjoyed a close-up look at some of the materials birds use to make a nest. This interest grew for some children and is reflected in their stories and play back in the classroom.  During a sensory activity the children explored nature's loose parts by collecting small bits and mashing them together to create forest perfume. I introduced the group to one of my favourite math tasks, Which One Does Not Belong.  In this routine students are asked to look at all four objects and invited to share their reasoning as to "Which One Doesn't Belong and Why?" The great thing about this routine is that there are no wro...

Good morning and happy long weekend, I wanted to share with you some of the work that your child is enjoying each day. Most of it is hands on and is working with either a peer or group of peers.  I can't wait to share little videos and photos with you once our electronic portfolios become available. We enjoyed the company of our two VIU student teachers last week, Ms. M and Ms. S. They spent the time observing and interacting with your children. They will return for Wednesday mornings in the classroom with our children for the remainder of this month. We have been working on our first guided identity inquiry,  through play, structured talks, activities and picture books. Last week the children cooked applesauce in small groups and began to notice similarities and differences amongst themselves  such as who had tasted homemade applesauce before, who regularly cooks with their family and a few food preferences They have also begun to notice other things such as family habits. On Thur...