This is Math?

Today for math, we were exploring number formation.  Instead of boring pen and paper tasks, Mrs. Baker and I set up sensory math centers where students could make, form and create numbers using a variety of materials.  Students explored making play dough numbers, pipe cleaner numbers, writing in cornmeal, writing in salt, writing in shaving cream, printing on white boards, and finger painting numbers.  We practiced our numbers from zero to ten.


An amusing conversation overheard:

Student "J" - Mrs. Baker, is this math?

Mrs. Baker - Why yes, "J."

Student "J" - Really?

Mrs. Baker - Yes, "J", this is math today.

Student "J" - Oh my!  This is so much fun!!!!  I'm loving math!


Our conclusion:  We continue to explore activities to meet our goal for learning in a fun and playful environment.  It was accomplished today.  Time to plan some more.....

2 Snow Days?!?!?!

I'm sure everyone is well-rested from our 2 snow days.  The weather wasn't as bad as the weather-man thought, yet still the roads were slippery this morning as I drove in to the school. 

As a result of the snow days, our "Anti-Bullying Pink Shirt Day" will be moved to Friday, March 2nd.  Come dressed in your pink shirts to support our "STOP BULLYING" awareness!

HAT DAY & FOOD BANK COLLECTIONS

We are a small school with a big heart.  When there is a need in the community, we step up and try to help.  The Food Bank needs our help.  Due to the poor economic times, many families in the Bradford area rely on the Food Bank to help feed their families.  It's time for Osler to think about those less fortunate then ourselves and to help with the Food Bank collections. 

Tomorrow (Thurs., Jan. 26th), students are asked to bring in a non-perishable food item and wear a hat to show our community that we care and want to help.

Items of great need at the food bank are: 

• jam
• peanut butter
• 1 litre fruit juices
• canned meat
• canned potatoes
• canned mushrooms
• canned corn
• canned carrots
• canned fruit
• pasta sauce
• canned soup
• cookies
• sugar
• instant coffee
• feminine hygiene products
• toothpaste
• soap
• deodorant

Happy Holidays!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday break.  

I enjoyed celebrating Christmas with my family and my extended families.  I've had some time to visit family and friends and celebrate the love and friendship we all share.  I've had some time to clean up my home, sift through our new gifts and find homes for them, and do some winter cleaning that seems to elude me when I get too busy with other things.   I've also had some time to relax with a good book and watch some movies with my children.  

If there was more snow in Newmarket, then I'd take the kids sledding.  I think I may need to take a trip to Barrie for that as I hear they had a doozy of a snow-storm yesterday and they have all the snow.


I wish everyone a safe and happy New Year.  May your 2012 be filled with love, laughter and amazing memories.

I'll see everyone back at school on January 9th, 2012!

~Mrs. Tereena Clarke