Grade 1–2 Blog
A Trip to the Pet Store, Movement of the Body, and a Visit From Some Chicks
The grade one/two class went to the Menagerie Pet Store in Riverdale. The trip was a cross-curricular excursion. Students engaged with snakes, birds, guinea pigs, and fish. They enhanced their ability to show respect and care for living things as they learned from knowledgeable staff about the animals that were there. After the pet store, we went to the playground at Allen Garden's. It was one of the best playgrounds that the girls have ever played at (they said). They challenged their physical abilities and met their goals of climbing and moving through new equipment. Then the following week, we had a visit from some chicks. They were only 4 days old, and so "super cute". This visit supported the students ability to explore the life cycles of animals and demonstrate an understanding of their characteristics with real animals. In addition, they will increase their knowledge of how living things grow and change.
Below are the students thoughts about their experiences and learning.
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The Water Cycle
For Linden's STEM for a Better World Fair, the grade one/two students worked hard on expanding their knowledge of the element that keeps us alive - water.
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Tree Visits: Exploring the Wonderland of the Wintery World
On the way to visit their trees in the ravine, the grade one/two students explored the exciting change in the weather. It may have taken a bit of time to travel to their trees to record their observations and give their trees a hug - but the students sure loved the detours and personal challenges the natural world had to offer caused by the colder weather.
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Researching the Eastern Provinces
Aligning with the Social Studies and English curriculum, the students explored our country and its provinces. By engaging in this particular exploration, the grade one/two students further developed their research and mapping skills. First, they looked at the province of Ontario and its specific unique features, in addition to us all calling it home. Then the students decided on researching an Eastern province of their choice. Some students' excitement led them to do research an additional province. When their hard work was complete, the students presented their interesting findings to willing listeners of our community - the Early Learners and a mix of Linden teachers. In this blog, you will read excerpts of what the grade one/two students found interesting about the provinces that they researched. I hope that you enjoy reading their work as much as they enjoyed researching and sharing new facts about our country.
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International Transgender Day of Remembrance
To commemorate the International Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20th, the Early Learners and the Grade one/two students welcomed a story being read about gender, identity and acceptance of one another. The book "from the stars in the sky to the fish in the sea" written by a Toronto author is a beautiful picture book that captivated the students with words that foster identity formation from the heart. The students ideas and thoughts generated deep discussion about the importance of being true to what you feel inside and trying not to conform to the binary gender norms that many in society dictate.
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October and November: Fall Exploration through an "Adopt a Tree" Project
Every couple of weeks the Grade 1/2 students engage in an "Adopt a Tree" project by going to the ravine and making observations about a tree that they picked. This year, all the students happened to decide on a Maple tree to adopt, observe, and research. Since the beginning of the project, the students have noticed differences in their trees' leaves and bark. They have also noticed that the ground around their trees is different as the weather changes. On the most recent visit, the ravine was moving so quickly. The sounds and difference in the water was fascinating, which led to provocations of many inquiries that ignited thoughtful questions from the girls.
Here is a quote by A, in Grade 1, "I think the weather is pretty because it is fall."
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A Few Term One Math Activities, Experiences, and Exploration
The grade one/twos are ending the week building with LEGO and shape blocks to increase their spatial sense, further develop their fine motor skills, and just having some fun!
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