On Friday, I finished my first week of teaching (for my second block) at a lovely rural school in east Hamilton. I have to say that I feel lucky to have been placed there. I think it is a good match for me and I really lucked out with my Teacher Associate @superock66, Steven DesRoches. He has been nothing but supportive, helpful and understanding as well as great at providing pivotal and helpful feedback on my lessons. I am learning so much from him.
So far in the class, I have been able to introduce a unit on poetry to the grade 7 students; an intro to New France in History; Fractions in Math (which, I don’t think I would be as successful at without Steve’s help); and a few formal/design elements in Visual Arts.
Throughout our poetry unit, the students are encouraged to explore our big idea in their writing:
BIG IDEA:
How can learning about others around the world, help us to be more empathetic and grateful as Canadians?
So far, their poems have been pretty successful and I think the students are starting to get the idea that areas around the world experience things that they themselves wouldn’t even dream of. I am hoping not to scare them, but to help them to be a little more altruistic and a little less narcissistic……not an easy feat for Grade 7’s.
The introduction of the “Big Idea” mentioned above is my first step in attempting to achieve some of the things I mentioned in my last blog post.
It’s a small step, but a step.
Never look down to test the ground before taking your next step; only he who keeps his eye fixed on the far horizon will find his right road.
~Dag Hammarskjold~
Needless to say, after March Break, we will be looking at the horrifying tragedy Japan is dealing with and thoughts on what can be done to help here in Canada.
The video below is an example of one of the poems the students wrote.......... A Two-Voice Poem
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