camping party

With a wonderful year coming to an end I decided to surprise my "campers".  I asked each student to bring in a bathing suit to put up on our line so that our classroom would really look like a summer campground (we have a line that goes across our room to hang work). They were excited to do this. They also helped to blow up the decorations (beach balls and floatation rings). What my students didn't know was that they were helping decorate for their very own surprise party! I asked our class parents to bring in "camp" style treats and I baked a campsite cheesecake. Unfortunately the kids returned before I could get pics of all the interesting creations. Being from an international school I was very curious as to what the parents would bring in and this made it even more interesting for me. The students were genuinely surprised!  It was truly a fantastic way to finish our year together.  

campsite cheesecake - my first one ;)

enjoying our last campfire

Here you can see the bathing suits hanging on the line.

S'mores on a stick (the small hay bail is for rabbits)

These little cuties are common in Eastern Europe - hard boiled eggs with tomato toppers.

this old fashioned apple peeler and spiral slicer was a huge hit 

Camping Classroom Room Tour

""literacy Lake" one of our meeting spot. I use the coolers as both a seat and storage for my mentor texts.

Thanks to Mrs Carroll and her lesson plan. I love the thoughtful conversation that followed.

We had a fantastic conversation about what we already know about our class community
and what we would also like to see in... Thanks to Keri for this great lesson idea! 

Here is the front of my class and our "Pondering Pond" meeting area. 

Love these frames that I found for my family... cheap too which is a bonus

I used dish towels as their "table clothes". A huge thank you to Randi for the graphics on the table signs and also all the labels I created for my Writers' Workshop supply station. Her camping graphics are excellent.

Getting the Writers' Workshop Supply Station labelled was made easier by the graphics from Randi. I  can not remember where the "dull & sharp" labels came from at this moment. I will get back to that reference. 

Love this recycled picnic basket that currently holds the white paper .
Thanks Marja for the donation. 

I call my Daily 5 - Campers Choice and have the options on a magnetic board.
 Students put their magnet beside the  activity they are working on. 

Loved this idea when I saw it Pinterest. Credit for this goes out too Melissa and her great resources from teacherspayteachers. Also to Erica for her fantastic polka dot border pack and also a huge shout out to Ashley for her amazing graphics.

My very own "Thinking Frog"

Hi Everyone,

I am very excited to share this special gift that I received from my friends Jeff and Jay... It is a "real" thinking frog that I use to introduce "thinking" in my classroom. I am so excited to have a 3D version and also to have "Tinker" as our new class mascot. He has a stool of honour. 

moving on

It is that time of year again in the International School setting where many families are saying good-bye and gearing up for their next adventure. Yesterday one of former students came up to me to tell me he was moving. He just found out last night and has not embraced the idea of leaving his friends and the school he loves. I could tell something else was on his mind too. So I asked him if he had a question. He said yes. He wanted to know what days I was working (I am not full time at the moment). When I told him everyday but Wednesday he smile and said good. That means I can get a hug nearly every day before I leave. How can you not melt??!!!!

best clipboard - a must have

Hey folks,

I wanted to share a little gem that I came across years ago. As a homeroom teacher, a PE teacher and a coach I was so thrilled to discover this awesome clipboard. I love it because it has storage for papers, a few pens, etc. It is just so handy and I have not seen other recommendations for it.

happy camping,

marta 

(looking forward to learning how add a cute, colourful signature)

My Thinking on a Thoughtful Classroom

Introducing "Our Thoughtful Classroom"

Tinker our "Thinking Frog"

How it Began:
Three summers ago I had the amazing opportunity to attend the Summer Institute at Harvard's Project Zero. I had a basis of exposure to the "Visible Thinking" framework at my school but it was while I was participating in this workshop that I had my "A-HA" moment. My "A- HA" moment was the idea to design and implement a "back to school" unit with a concentrated focus of creating a “thoughtful” classroom culture. This unit establishes the core foundation for our year. 


A "thoughtful" classroom to me is one where:

• lessons are created and teaching strategies are implemented to elicit deeper "thoughtful" thinking
• the attributes of the PYP Learner Profile and Attitudes (such as: being respectful, open minded and curious) are the cornerstones of our "thoughtful" classroom culture
• "discovering yourself as learner" and “celebrating the individual” is truly nurtured
• students are teachers and teachers are students 

To create the unit I focused on these 5 categories:

• Discovering yourself as a learner
• Our CAMPING community
• Perspective
• Thinking Routines/Strategies (an introduction)
• Reflection

My main sources of instructional inspiration & thought provoking strategies come from:

Visible Thinking: Project Zero  

(We are very fortunate at our school to have a strong connection with Project Zero. I am thankful the learning opportunities as a result of this partnership.)

Whole Brain Teaching

& of course from wonderful teachers I meet on my educational journey.

I still consider myself an Apprentice on this journey. As such, I am always on the lookout for effective thinking strategies.

What are your thoughts? Would love to hear them.

1st Homework: Est. a Work Site

Back to School: I wanted to share the first homefun task I assign however I don't know how to share it as a link so a picture will have to do for now. 


(FYI My students and I decided not to use the term "homework" and as such, the term 'homefun" was adopted)

a HUGE SHOUT OUT TO  ashley @ thistlegirldesigns for her wonderful graphics